Gulf Intelligence Podcasts PODCAST: Daily Energy Markets - March 3rd
Mar 3, 2026
Sara Akbar, Kuwait energy executive and crisis manager, on Kuwait’s production limits, export routes and water resilience. Laury Haytayan, MENA geopolitics expert, on Hezbollah’s role and Europe’s gas vulnerability. Ahmed Mehdi, Middle East crude and freight analyst, on freight spikes, supply-chain friction and export constraints. Multiple short takes on regional security and market-moving logistics.
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Kuwait Living With Daily Sirens And Tension
- Sara Akbar describes frequent sirens and missile/drone noise across Kuwait as residents experience real worry during Ramadan.
- She recounts hits on an airbase and near the American embassy and says life continues but tension dominates conversation.
No Easy Export Workaround For Several Gulf Producers
- Sara Akbar says Kuwait and several Gulf states lack alternative export routes and would have to cut production if the Strait of Hormuz becomes unusable.
- She lists Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iraq as effectively stuck without Hormuz exports and warns prolonged disruption forces shut-ins.
Freight And Spreads Are Where The Market Is Reacting
- Ahmed Mehdi says current market friction is concentrated in freight and spreads rather than outright lost barrels.
- He points to surging VLCC freight, Dubai physical premiums rising, and product cracks reflecting higher transport costs.