The war in Iran, declared a month ago on February 28th, has significant repercussions for the global economy. Due to its central geographic location for maritime energy transport, Tehran's current situation has led to a sharp rise in oil prices. Here are the five countries most dependent on it.

An essential resource. For many countries, fossil fuels remain paramount to the proper functioning of their economy. With several hundred million tons of crude oil consumed each year according to Statista, some nations are feeling the full force of a "new oil shock," as the French Minister of the Economy, Roland Lescure, described it.

SAUDI ARABIA (171 MILLION TONS IN 2024)

Saudi Arabia is the world's largest oil producer. With 10% of global supply coming from this Middle Eastern country, it certainly doesn't hesitate to use its reserves for its own needs, with 171 million tons of oil consumed in 2024. According to Les Echos, energy consumption in the country has increased by 30% in just ten years. It is estimated that a Saudi citizen consumes twice as much as an American and ten times as much as a Chinese citizen.

RUSSIA (175 MILLION TONS IN 2024)

Another country particularly rich in oil, Russia is also among the biggest consumers of this fossil fuel, with a total of 175 million tons sold in 2024. In addition to oil, which accounts for 52% of its energy demands, the world's largest country can also count on coal (20%), electricity (16.5%) and wood (9%).

INDIA (257 MILLION TONS IN 2024)

As a rapidly developing country, India is not skimping on energy consumption to fuel its economic growth, with 257 million tons of crude oil being produced. Yet, per capita oil demand remains modest: only 37% of the global average, 24% of that of Chinese citizens, and 20% of that of the French.

CHINA (755 MILLION TONS IN 2024)

In China, oil also plays a significant role in the development of certain major sectors of the national economy, supported by 755 million tons of oil consumed in 2024. Given the country's limited resources, compared to its gargantuan demand of 15 million barrels per day, the country is therefore particularly vulnerable to a global oil shock.

UNITED STATES (813 MILLION TONS IN 2024)

The United States, an economic and energy superpower, is also experiencing the effects of this "oil shock." Yet, the US is by far the world's leading producer of crude oil, ahead of Russia. On a daily basis, the US requires 20 million barrels of oil, representing 19.95% of global demand (102 million barrels). This amounts to a total of 813 million tons annually.