Energy Security Index — July 2026: 25.8

The Energy Security Index started July at its lowest point of 13 before tensions began to build up. Middle East conflicts drove the index higher, with oil prices rising due to US airstrikes, a reimposed US naval blockade on Iran, and Houthi blockade threats. Tensions pushed the index to a peak of 42 on July 24 following escalating risks around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, as well as the US revoking Iran oil sanctions waivers. Some relief was felt around July 20 when the index dropped by 12 points, but markets remained volatile after statements that the Iran ceasefire and deals were over. Overall, the month experienced significant market pressure and closed out with an average index level of 25.8.

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

Peak 42 on 2026-07-24 · low 13 on 2026-07-01 · locked record · ← June · Energy Security Index timeline · August → · World Tension, same month

• Oil prices rise as U.S. launches new Iran airstrikes, while Trump abandons Strait of Hormuz fee CNBC · 2026-07-13
• Oil little changed after U.S. reimposes naval blockade on Iran, launches more airstrikes CNBC · 2026-07-14
• Oil jumps 7% on escalating Middle East airstrikes reuters.com · 2026-07-29
• Oil prices jump 5% after U.S. revokes Iran oil sanctions waiver following ship attacks NBC News · 2026-07-07
• Oil prices rise to five-week high on US-Iran attacks, Houthi blockade threat CNBC · 2026-07-20
• Oil pipelines around the Strait of Hormuz won't end the threat Iran poses to Middle East crude exports CNBC · 2026-07-16
• Oil prices surge as Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb risks escalate amid renewed US–Iran tensions Oil & Gas Journal · 2026-07-22
• Oil Prices Wobble as Middle East Veers Toward Wider Conflict The New York Times · 2026-07-30

• Oil Prices Jump After Trump Says Deal With Iran Is ‘Over’
• Oil prices surge and markets fall after Trump says Iran ceasefire is over
• Oil prices surge, stocks slide after Trump says Iran ceasefire is ‘over’
• Oil prices rise after Rubio says Iran is not serious about a deal