Viewpoint: IEA's Record Release of Oil Reserves Signals Middle East Conflict Could Last for Months

**CNBC: IEA’s Largest-Ever Oil Reserve Release Signals Fears of Prolonged Iran Conflict** March 12 — The International Energy Agency (IEA) has unveiled its biggest-ever oil reserve release plan, a move that signals energy markets expect the Iran conflict could last far longer than initially anticipated, per CNBC. Key analyst takes on the historic announcement: - Andy Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates, said some market participants interpret the IEA’s action as pointing to a conflict stretching for several weeks. - Saul Kavonic, an energy analyst at MST Marquee, noted the release’s scale underscores how severe oil shortage risks are — a clear sign the IEA does not expect the war to end imminently. - Bob McNally, president of Rapidan Energy Group, added traders recognize the release will only partially offset shortages from the Strait of Hormuz blockade. “Oil prices could keep rising unless there’s a ceasefire or Iran’s military capabilities decline enough to allow tanker shipments to resume,” he explained.