Energy Security Index — May 2026: 34.8

In May 2026, the Energy Security Index averaged 34.8, driven by several geopolitical developments. Early in the month, headlines focused on high gas prices and the war with Iran, pushing the index up to a peak of 44 on May 8. Further tensions arose throughout May as Ukrainian attacks targeted Russian oil refineries in Yaroslavl and Ryazan, and Iran vowed to retaliate against U.S. strikes. Calm returned late in the month as reports emerged that the U.S. and Iran appeared close to a deal to end the war and restore Hormuz shipping. Following these deal reports, the index dropped by 14 points, reaching a monthly low of 18 on May 27.

Scores in this month were computed by the first-generation engine (v1).

Peak 44 on 2026-05-08 · low 18 on 2026-05-27 · locked record · ← April · Energy Security Index timeline · June → · World Tension, same month

• Oil prices jump 6% as Iran sets UAE oil port ablaze, strikes vessels in Strait of Hormuz reuters.com · 2026-05-04
• Russia's Ryazan oil refinery halted output after May 15 drone attack, sources say reuters.com · 2026-05-19
• Brent oil jumps more than 3% after Iran vows to retaliate for U.S. strikes CNBC · 2026-05-25
• Ukrainian drones hit oil refinery in Russia's Ryazan, Ukraine says reuters.com · 2026-05-15
• Ukraine attacked Russian oil refinery in Yaroslavl, Zelenskiy says reuters.com · 2026-05-22
• Global oil prices slip amid Middle East tensions and US military action; prices continue higher stateside Idaho Business Review · 2026-05-05
• How the Iran war is threatening summer travel Axios · 2026-05-01
• Oil prices fall after Iran state media says deal with US would include restored Hormuz shipping Yahoo Finance · 2026-05-27

• Oil prices fall after Iran state media says deal with US would include restored Hormuz shipping
• Oil prices fall more than 7% as U.S. and Iran appear close to deal to end war
• Oil prices post weekly loss as U.S. and Iran signal progress toward a deal
• Oil Prices Decline on Hopes for Ceasefire in Iran War