After Saudi Visit, Italy’s Meloni In Qatar To Tackle Energy Crisis Triggered By Iran War

Last Updated:April 04, 2026, 18:51 IST

Meloni arrived in Jeddah on Friday, marking the first visit by a European Union leader to Saudi Arabia since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war with Iran.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Saturday met Qatar’s Amiri Diwan Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani as part of her visit to Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The visit that began on Friday comes at a time when the energy crisis has hit several countries amid the West Asia crisis.

According to an official statement, at the start of the meeting, the Emir welcomed the Italian Prime Minister and expressed appreciation for Italy’s stance, while highlighting the strong ties between the two countries.

Both leaders emphasised the urgency of reducing tensions, stating the need to “work towards de-escalation and prioritise political dialogue and diplomacy as the best way to contain the current crisis in the Middle East and its repercussions on energy and supply chains, and to safeguard energy security in the region."

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has begun a multi-country visit to the Gulf, travelling first to Saudi Arabia before heading to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The trip, which was not announced in advance, comes as tensions rise in West Asia and concerns grow over energy supplies.

Meloni arrived in Jeddah on Friday, marking the first visit by a European Union leader to Saudi Arabia since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war with Iran in February. She is scheduled to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the visit.

According to a government official, the two-day trip is aimed at showing support for Gulf partners facing Iranian attacks, while also securing Italy’s own energy interests at a time of rising fuel prices. Italy is expected to reaffirm plans by major companies, including Eni, to continue investing in the region.

The official added that Italy is already supplying defensive equipment to Gulf nations to counter Iranian strikes and is willing to consider further requests if needed.

Energy Concerns Drive Diplomacy

Energy security has become a key concern for Rome. Before the conflict, Qatar supplied around 10 per cent of Italy’s gas through liquefied natural gas (LNG), while oil from the Middle East made up about 12 per cent of total imports last year.

However, disruptions have begun to affect supply. Italy has been informed that deliveries from a Gulf supplier will be delayed, with 10 LNG cargoes expected between April and mid-June now on hold due to tensions near the Strait of Hormuz.

Recent Iranian attacks have also reduced Qatar’s LNG export capacity by about 17 per cent, further tightening global supply.

Looking For Alternatives

In response, Italy is exploring alternative sources. Meloni recently visited Algeria to secure additional gas supplies and is expected to travel to Azerbaijan in the coming weeks for the same purpose. A planned visit to Kuwait, however, has been dropped due to security concerns.

To help fill the gap, Italy is set to begin receiving LNG shipments from the United States’ Golden Pass facility starting in June, according to sources familiar with the matter.

News world After Saudi Visit, Italy’s Meloni In Qatar To Tackle Energy Crisis Triggered By Iran War

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