80 countries hit emergency energy measures as Trump rattles markets

May 17, 2026

Oil and global markets are getting hit as Trump threatens Iran and 80 countries roll out emergency energy measures — bad for consumers, supply chains, and developing economies.

  • Asian markets fell after Trump warned Iran that "time is ticking," stoking fears of an oil supply shock heading into summer.
  • The IEA says 80 countries have put emergency energy measures in place, and poor countries can no longer afford the fuel subsidies that shielded their people from high prices.
  • US gas prices are high and diesel is higher, which feeds into supply-chain costs and pushes up prices on everything.
  • Borrowing costs are rising worldwide — South Korea's rail operator is hiking fares for the first time in 15 years to cover debt and energy costs.
  • A new front is opening with Cuba, where US intelligence says officials are discussing drone defense plans as relations keep getting worse.

Outlook: Oil and consumer prices will likely keep rising into summer unless the Iran standoff cools, with the most pain falling on developing countries that can no longer subsidize fuel.

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