Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, has issued a stark warning regarding the economic fallout from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. As one of the world's most vital maritime chokepoints—carrying over 20 percent of global oil and LNG supplies—the blockage has triggered a deficit of one billion barrels of oil. This supply crunch is hitting consumers and industries hard, with fuel prices climbing by 30 percent and fertilizer costs jumping by 50 percent, creating what Al Jaber described as the "arithmetic of extortion."

The impact extends well beyond energy markets, severely affecting global aviation and international logistics. Airlines have been forced to cut two million seats this month alone, contributing to a 20 percent surge in airfare prices as carriers grapple with higher jet fuel costs and restricted airspace. Furthermore, approximately 500,000 container units remain stranded in the region, stalling trade flows. Amidst rising geopolitical tensions and recent attacks on commercial vessels, the UAE is urging for the immediate, unconditional restoration of freedom of navigation to prevent further damage to global economies, farms, and households.