Global coal demand rises as nations seek alternatives to Strait of Hormuz disruptions

The ongoing US‑Israel conflict with Iran has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, prompting a notable shift toward coal as nations seek to mitigate the risk of shipping interruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The heightened geopolitical tension has revived interest in the highly polluting fuel, with policymakers emphasizing energy security amid concerns over potential disruptions to oil and gas flows.

According to the International Energy Agency, worldwide coal demand is projected to increase by 1.2 % this year, reaching a record 8.94 billion tonnes. The surge reflects a strategic move by countries to diversify supply chains and maintain power generation capacity while alternative routes are reassessed. France 24’s environment editor Valerie Dekimpe reports that the rise in coal consumption underscores the trade‑off between immediate energy reliability and longer‑term environmental objectives, highlighting the complex challenges facing the global energy landscape.