IEA chief warns energy is becoming a geopolitical weapon

Dr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, warns that energy is becoming a geopolitical weapon. In an interview with Al Jazeera published on October 22, 2026, he specifically highlighted Europe's vulnerability to higher gas prices this winter.

Birol criticized governments for failing to diversify energy supplies, leaving nations vulnerable to energy being used as a political tool. The warning comes as global energy markets face increasing volatility.