Our lawyers are offering analysis and expertise into a range of challenges brought on by the developing conflict in the Middle East. Here you can explore the expert commentary and insights our teams have shared with the press and media.
Trade Finance Global: The legal leg of the trade disruption in the Strait of Hormuz
Partner Sumeet Malhotra explains how disruption in the Strait of Hormuz triggers not only shipping delays and surging freight and insurance costs, but also a rapid tightening of trade finance as payment cycles lengthen and banks reduce risk exposure.
Transformer Magazine: Energy markets shaken by Middle East conflict
Partner Jean-Pascal Boutin analyses the strain on European energy systems as the conflict drives gas costs higher, prompting debate over marker reform and renewables.
Singapore Law Gazette: Strait of Hormuz – It’s closure and its implications
Partners Natalie Jackson and Kimarie Cheang, and Associates Iliana Mastoraki and Tiana Dias outline the legal and commercial consequences of this de‑facto closure, including deviation risks, charterparty disputes, war‑risk considerations, and significant implications for Singapore’s shipping and arbitration sectors.
BiznesAlert: Fragile with aviation fuel. Will airlines cancel flights?
Europe is among the most exposed regions, with soaring fuel prices and supply‑chain vulnerabilities prompting experts to warn that even if the conflict ends soon, recovery could take up to six months.
The National: Middle East war causes holiday trap for airlines and passengers
Airlines are struggling to cope with the knock‑on effects of regional airspace closures and safety concerns due to the war in the Middle East, putting holiday travel plans at risk.
The Daily Mail: Easter holiday long-haul flights at risk as airlines are warned of jet fuel shortages within weeks due to Iran’s Strait of Hormuz blockade
Airlines have been warned that long‑haul Easter holiday flights could face significant disruption within weeks as Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz threatens global jet fuel supplies and rapidly depleting reserves drive prices to record highs. Europe and the UK are particularly vulnerable, raising the risk of widespread cancellations if the crisis continues.
The Evening Standard: Flight alerts: UK issues global travel disruption warning over Donal Trump’s Iran war
The UK Foreign Office has warned that the US‑Israeli conflict with Iran is causing global airspace closures and widespread flight delays and cancellations, potentially affecting travel from Heathrow, Gatwick and other UK airports. Jet fuel prices have surged due to Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz, raising the risk of further airline disruption.
London Loves Business: Airlines warn of cancellations as Middle East fuel crisis deepens
Airlines are warning that fuel shortages caused by the escalating US‑Israel conflict with Iran may force widespread flight cancellations starting next month, with jet fuel prices surging.
Global Trade Review (GTR): Hormuz crisis could drive ‘flight to quality’ incommodity finance market
Partner Sumeet Malhotra speaks to GTR about how the current crisis is reshaping liquidity needs and financing dynamics across the sector.
The Times: Long-haul Easter flights at risk due to fuel rationing (subscription required)
Airlines around the world are bracing for jet fuel shortages ahead of the pending Easter holiday period, with long haul flights at increased risk.
In The Times’ latest article, our team highlight the wider implications for the aviation industry as refineries across the Middle East face disruption and global supplies tighten.
ICIS (Independent Commodity Intelligence Services): QatarEnergy has declared force majeure on LNG supplies – what is next (subscription required)
Partners Alexis Martinez and Merrick White share their expert insights on:
- offtakers using LNG may need replacement cargoes or operational cuts;
- resellers must assess whether force majeure can be passed through; and
- uncertainty remains on how long declarations could extend.
ICIS (Independent Commodity Intelligence Services): LNG shipping under pressure amid insurance renewals and costs (subscription required)
Partner Andrew Rigden Green speaks to ICIS about why many shipowners have seen their war risk cover cancelled despite an ongoing conflict. Once war becomes a certainty, the risk profile shifts dramatically and insurers must reprice cover accordingly.
Law.com: Strait of Hormuz Crisis Forces Lawyers to Make Split-Second Decisions
As the Middle East crisis escalates, lawyers are being pushed to make swift decisions as clients face commercial and operational risks. Partner Andrew Rigden Green speaks to Law.com about what lawyers are doing to guide clients through commercially critical decisions – often with only minutes to respond.
Lexology PRO: When force majeure isn’t enough: the doctrine of frustration in times of conflict (subscription required)
The doctrine of frustration is rare and tough to prove, but it’s also back in focus as geopolitical tensions rise. Partner Andrew Rigden Green speaks to Lexology about the scenarios that can make frustration a real consideration.
