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Energy crisis

An energy crisis is a critical bottleneck in the supply of energy. When fuel prices rise it's usually bad news for the economy, but it also offers the opportunity to transition to clean and renewable energy sources.

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All Content on this topic

Like all residents of Havana, Yuri Betancourt has to cope with power outages that can last up to 20 hours a day. Here he stands in his dark kitchen, where he can’'t turn on the lights and the refrigerator isn't working.

Like all residents of Havana, Yuri Betancourt has to cope with power outages that can last up to 20 hours a day. Here he stands in his dark kitchen, where he can’'t turn on the lights and the refrigerator isn't working.

Cuba faces most severe energy crisis in decades

Ordinary Cubans are struggling more and more to get by. Power outages in Havana last more than 20 hours a day.

Russland 2026 | Thumbnail mit Flüssiggastanker im Industriehafen vor verschneiten Bergen

Russland 2026 | Thumbnail mit Flüssiggastanker im Industriehafen vor verschneiten Bergen

Could Russia save the global economy?

Global energy markets are reeling. Could Russia solve the problem?

Oil pipelines at the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in Bryan Mound, near Freeport in Texas

Oil pipelines at the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in Bryan Mound, near Freeport in Texas

Iran war: Oil shortages threaten global energy security

Oil reserves are declining quickly as countries release supplies to offset the impact of the Middle East conflict.

BASF's main production site at Ludwigshafen, Germany

BASF's main production site at Ludwigshafen, Germany

Germany's crisis-hit chemical industry seeks revival

Germany's crisis-hit chemical firms are cutting production at home while expanding abroad. Can the trend be reversed?

Robotaxi test fleet from Volkswagen and MOIA

Robotaxi test fleet from Volkswagen and MOIA

VW's autonomous future: Inside the robotaxi test fleet

VW tests autonomous ridepooling in Hamburg, promising faster shared city transport but raising safety concerns.

DW REV | 2026 | Elektrofahrzeuge im Wettbewerb – steigende Nachfrage und Marktdynamik

DW REV | 2026 | Elektrofahrzeuge im Wettbewerb – steigende Nachfrage und Marktdynamik

EVs back in the fast lane as oil prices surges

EVs surge as fuel prices jump. Europe's demand rises, China dominates supply, and the US shifts as oil stays expensive.

DW REV | 2026 | Sechaba Chabedis Comeback beim Roof of Africa in Lesotho

DW REV | 2026 | Sechaba Chabedis Comeback beim Roof of Africa in Lesotho

Sechaba Chabeli's comeback at the Roof of Africa

Sechaba Chabedi returns from injury to race the brutal Roof of Africa, chasing a comeback against global elite riders.

DW REV | 2026 | Gesamtsendung DW REV 20 mit Steven Beardsley

DW REV | 2026 | Gesamtsendung DW REV 20 mit Steven Beardsley

Fuel crisis accelerates global EV race

EVs surge on high fuel costs: Europe demand rises, China leads & US shifts. Plus: Sechaba Chabedi returns to Roof of

Workers install solar panels in Lagos, Nigeria

Workers install solar panels in Lagos, Nigeria

Nigeria's solar boom faces cost and policy barriers

Nigeria's rising solar imports signal a search for alternatives to unreliable grid power and high fuel costs.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian speaks

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian speaks

Could China be drawn into the Iran war?

China foreign ministry has confirmed an attack on one of its oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week.

Workers are installing solar photovoltaic panels at the site of the 450,000-kilowatt integrated solar, thermal and storage project in the Gobi Desert

Workers are installing solar photovoltaic panels at the site of the 450,000-kilowatt integrated solar, thermal and storage project in the Gobi Desert

Middle East conflict is firing up China's electric future

As the Iran war shakes energy markets, China’s electrostate model suddenly looks like the future.

A farmer in Senegal takes pictures of her crops

A farmer in Senegal takes pictures of her crops

Fertilizer crisis: Africa's options amid the Hormuz blockade

What are the solutions to reduce the effects of the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz on Africa in the long term?

Motorists queue at a gas station amid rising petrol prices in Quezon City, Metro Manila on March 9, 2026

Motorists queue at a gas station amid rising petrol prices in Quezon City, Metro Manila on March 9, 2026

Is Russian oil becoming a lifeline for Southeast Asia?

With oil, gas and fertilizer sales hit by the Iran war, SE Asian nations are brushing off EU pressure to isolate Russia.

A man pumps gas at a Murphy's USA gas station on March 09, 2026 in Lockhart, Texas, looking at the rising price on the pump

A man pumps gas at a Murphy's USA gas station on March 09, 2026 in Lockhart, Texas, looking at the rising price on the pump

US gas prices soar as Iran standoff fuels oil market fears

Rising gas prices reflect deepening tensions with Iran, legal disputes in Washington and risks in the Strait of Hormuz.

Why the UAE is quitting OPEC now

The United Arab Emirates' OPEC exit causes further insecurity in global oil markets already strained by the war in Iran.

Stacks and burn-off from the ExxonMobil refinery are seen at dusk in St. Bernard Parish, La., US

Stacks and burn-off from the ExxonMobil refinery are seen at dusk in St. Bernard Parish, La., US

Will EU bring in a windfall tax on oil companies?

Five countries, including Germany, want the EU to bring in a windfall tax to target energy companies' surging profits.

Climate activists hold a rally to protest the use of fossil fuels on Earth Day at Freedom Plaza, April 22, 2023, in Washington.

Climate activists hold a rally to protest the use of fossil fuels on Earth Day at Freedom Plaza, April 22, 2023, in Washington.

Small states push fossil fuel treaty amid Iran energy crisis

A coalition of non‑major fossil fuel producers meeting in Colombia is pushing a proposal to curb fossil fuel expansion.

European Union flags flutter outside the European Central Bank (ECB) headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, March 19, 2026

European Union flags flutter outside the European Central Bank (ECB) headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, March 19, 2026

EU proposes steps to deal with energy crisis amid Iran war

Brussels unveils a toolbox to manage energy shocks, as concerns grow over fuel supplies and rising costs.

PCK oil refinery in Schwedt

PCK oil refinery in Schwedt

Russia to block Kazakh oil flows to Germany via key pipeline

Germany has confirmed that Russia will block flows of Kazakh oil to a vital refinery that supplies Berlin's fuel needs.

A Lufthansa aircraft parked at the Frankfurt Airport

A Lufthansa aircraft parked at the Frankfurt Airport

Iran war: Jet fuel crisis deepens as Lufthansa cuts flights

The impact of jet fuel shortages because of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is starting to burn.

The back of a Kenyan Über rider in a bright yellow jacket on an e-motorbike

The back of a Kenyan Über rider in a bright yellow jacket on an e-motorbike

Kenya's motorbike taxis go electric as fuel prices surge

As fuel prices soar, electric motorbikes keep delivery services running while reshaping Kenya's transport future.

A man cooking Mughlai cuisne over an open grill

A man cooking Mughlai cuisne over an open grill

Indians fall back on polluting fuels amid gas crunch

Gas shortages mean people are turning to firewood, coal or kerosene, which is adding to local air pollution problems.

A drop of petrol falls from the nozzle of a petrol pump at a petrol station, in a close-up

A drop of petrol falls from the nozzle of a petrol pump at a petrol station, in a close-up

As Iran war rages, Europe gears up for energy crisis

Amid the US-Israel war in Iran and fears of a supply crunch, energy analysts are calling for concrete measures.

An industrial building in Germany with dark clouds in the background

An industrial building in Germany with dark clouds in the background

Shock over gas prices

Products such as aluminium and fertilizers can hardly be produced cost-effectively in Germany anymore.

Panoramic view of a solar farm near wind turbines in Germany

Panoramic view of a solar farm near wind turbines in Germany

How Iran war energy crisis strengthens case for renewables

The Iran war has exposed the fragility of the global energy system. Could renewables shield people from the shock?

Indians queue to obtain a cooking LPG gas cylinder in Noida, India

Indians queue to obtain a cooking LPG gas cylinder in Noida, India

How countries are tackling the global energy crisis

With energy prices sky high, countries are looking to reduce demand. But how do they do it?

US farmer Scott Gaffner with his farming machines

US farmer Scott Gaffner with his farming machines

Iran war: Energy crisis slams US farmers

Soaring diesel and fertilizer costs are hitting US farmers during peak planting season, locking in higher food prices.

DW | The Dip | 2024 | Hosts Daniel Winter and Kassandra Sundt

DW | The Dip | 2024 | Hosts Daniel Winter and Kassandra Sundt

How AI entered the War Room

When AI helps shape deadly outcomes, who is responsible? And: Is Europe ready for its next energy price shock?

Using a special crane, a 156-ton steam generator is lifted from its original position in Unit 3 of what was once the largest nuclear power plant in East Germany,

Using a special crane, a 156-ton steam generator is lifted from its original position in Unit 3 of what was once the largest nuclear power plant in East Germany,

Nuclear's cleanup cost threatens the expansion dream

Countries are racing to build new reactors. But we've barely figured out how to clean up the old ones.

An aerial view of a village in Brandenburg. The picture shows houses, a biogas plant and wind turbines that dominate the background.

An aerial view of a village in Brandenburg. The picture shows houses, a biogas plant and wind turbines that dominate the background.

The German village running on its own juice

One tiny German village has managed to make itself immune to global energy price shocks.

A Dangote crude oil tank is seen inside the Dangote Industries oil refinery and fertilizer plant site in the Ibeju Lekki district of Lagos, Nigeria March 2, 2026

A Dangote crude oil tank is seen inside the Dangote Industries oil refinery and fertilizer plant site in the Ibeju Lekki district of Lagos, Nigeria March 2, 2026

Energy crisis grips Nigeria amid US-Israel war in Iran

Rising oil prices, spurred on by the war in Iran, have exacerbated Nigeria's energy crisis.

Oil tankers anchored off the coast of Muscat, Iran.

Oil tankers anchored off the coast of Muscat, Iran.

How renewable energy shields countries from oil price shocks

As global markets feel the heat from Middle East energy disruptions, experts say green power can blunt future shocks.

Ukrainians gather at an emergency center where citizens can access heating, charging, internet, water and food during a power outage

Ukrainians gather at an emergency center where citizens can access heating, charging, internet, water and food during a power outage

Russia weaponizing winter in Ukraine

Russia is deliberately weaponizing the cold winter weather against the Ukrainian population.

A Floating Storage and Regasification Unit, FSRU, in the port of Mukran in eastern Germany

A Floating Storage and Regasification Unit, FSRU, in the port of Mukran in eastern Germany

Germany's gas reserves face crucial energy supply test

The country's stockpiles have dropped to about 30% amid a spell of severe cold. Will supplies hold up?

A driver refuels at a gas station as others wait behind in a long line in Havana, Cuba, on January 30, 2026

A driver refuels at a gas station as others wait behind in a long line in Havana, Cuba, on January 30, 2026

Cuba adopts measures to confront energy crisis

To deal with fuel shortages, the Cuban government has announced plans to ration fuel and protect essential services.

A man pushes a tricycle loaded with crates past a sports vehicle displaying a wheel covered with a stylized image of the US flag and a bald eagle, parked in the streets of Havana, Cuba

A man pushes a tricycle loaded with crates past a sports vehicle displaying a wheel covered with a stylized image of the US flag and a bald eagle, parked in the streets of Havana, Cuba

Cuba in crisis amid fuel shortages, ongoing blackouts

Cubans are improvising as best they can to weather power outages, runaway inflation and a historic cold snap.

WEF in Davos: Is Greenland the wake-up call Europe needed?

Europe faces waning influence amid wars, trade tensions, climate inaction and growing US hostility.

An Oil Tanker enters the bay of Havana

An Oil Tanker enters the bay of Havana

Cuba's economy faces a future without Venezuela's oil

Cuba's long energy crisis will be compounded by the US's arresting of the president of its oil-rich ally Venezuela.

A man walks in front of closing restaurant in city center of Bonn, Germany

A man walks in front of closing restaurant in city center of Bonn, Germany

German business bankruptcies hit decade high amid downturn

Economists warn of job losses but see tentative signs that the insolvency wave may be leveling off.

A picture of the VW factory building in Wolfsburg

A picture of the VW factory building in Wolfsburg

Why Germany's auto capitals face financial crisis

Germany’s car industry crisis is taking a toll on its wealthiest regions — and hitting the pocketbooks of residents.

A panoramic view of the Olkiluoto 3 nuclear power plant, pictured under a clouded sky. A meadow and a river are seen in the foregound.

A panoramic view of the Olkiluoto 3 nuclear power plant, pictured under a clouded sky. A meadow and a river are seen in the foregound.

Nuclear power helps Finland free itself from Russian energy

Finland was hugely dependent on Russian energy. Now the share is near zero, replaced by nuclear and renewable energy.

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne listens during a press conference (2024 file photo)

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne listens during a press conference (2024 file photo)

EU industry chief: Steel tariffs 'vital' to protect jobs

Sejourne defends a new EU plan to curb steel imports with higher tariffs saying they are vital to protect European jobs.

Deutschland Berlin 2025 | Treffen zwischen Emmanuel Macron und Friedrich Merz

Deutschland Berlin 2025 | Treffen zwischen Emmanuel Macron und Friedrich Merz

Can France learn from Italy to overcome its fiscal crisis?

France's political and economic crisis is deepening. Governments keep falling and budgets can't be agreed.

A store of unused pipes that were meant for Nord Stream 2

A store of unused pipes that were meant for Nord Stream 2

Nord Stream: Germany's thwarted dream of energy security

A 2022 attack on Nord Stream's underwater pipelines blew Germany's dream of cheap Russian gas out of the water.

A person wearing an orange hi-vis vest stands at the side of the Souapiti dam in Guinea

A person wearing an orange hi-vis vest stands at the side of the Souapiti dam in Guinea

Energy crisis: Can Africa's mega dams unite the continent?

Some dams spark disputes, while others build bridges — literally and politically.

LNG regassification vessel Energos Power moored in the harbor of Mukran, Germany

LNG regassification vessel Energos Power moored in the harbor of Mukran, Germany

Why Qatar's gas lifeline to Germany is at risk

Germany's liquefied natural gas supply is threatened by an EU directive that critics say is too costly and bureaucratic.

A naval personnel stands on deck of a warship and looks through binoculars a US aircraft carrier in November 2023

A naval personnel stands on deck of a warship and looks through binoculars a US aircraft carrier in November 2023

Israel-Iran conflict poses major risk for the global economy

Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz and has threatened to close one of the world's most important energy shipping routes.

Molten metal in a flask is waiting to be poured into a form with a workers overseeing the process

Molten metal in a flask is waiting to be poured into a form with a workers overseeing the process

German industry crisis: Can cheap power help?

Germany aims to lower electricity prices for industry, but critics see a threat to market stability and climate goals.

Person standing next to a long line of beer bottles, looking down with a concentrated expression

Person standing next to a long line of beer bottles, looking down with a concentrated expression

Why Germany's small breweries are struggling

Consumers are cutting back, giving an edge to large breweries that sell at lower prices. Can smaller breweries adapt?

Nitrogen factory towers in Piesteritz

Nitrogen factory towers in Piesteritz

Steep energy costs harm German industry

Energy-intensive sectors are struggling to operate profitably amid soaring energy costs in Germany.