Finance
Italy's Meloni Visits Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE Amid Gulf Tensions, Energy Worries
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 3, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 3, 2026
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Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni has embarked on a surprise two‑day Gulf tour—starting in Saudi Arabia and including Qatar and the UAE—to reinforce solidarity amid Iranian‑led Strait of Hormuz disruptions and to shore up Italian energy supplies.
Italy Bolsters Gulf Relations to Safeguard Energy Supplies Amid Regional Tensions
Italy's Diplomatic Efforts and Energy Security in the Gulf Region
Prime Minister Meloni's Strategic Gulf Visit
ROME, April 3 (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni flew to Saudi Arabia on Friday for a previously unannounced trip that will also include meetings in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, a government official said.
The two-day visit is aimed at showing support for Gulf partners facing Iranian attacks and to protect Italy's own energy supplies, the official said.
Context: Rising Regional Tensions and Energy Concerns
First EU Leader Visit Since Recent Conflict
It is the first trip by a European Union leader to Saudi since the conflict launched by the United States and Israel at the end of February and comes at a time of rising concern in Rome over the security of oil and gas flows.
Italy's Energy Dependence on the Gulf
Before the war, about 10% of Italy's total gas consumption was covered by Qatari liquefied natural gas, while Middle East oil accounted for around 12% of Italy's total oil imports last year.
Impact of Regional Instability on Italian Energy Supplies
Disruptions in LNG Deliveries
Last week, Italy was notified that its Gulf supplier had extended a pause in LNG deliveries because of the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz and would not ship 10 cargoes between April and mid-June. Iranian attacks have also knocked out 17% of Qatar's LNG export capacity, QatarEnergy's CEO and state minister for energy affairs told Reuters last month.
Italy's Response: Diversifying LNG Sources
New LNG Imports from the United States
Looking to make up the shortfall, Italy will begin receiving liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Golden Pass LNG facility in the United States from June, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday.
(Reporting by Giuseppe Fonte; Writing by Crispian Balmer; Editing by Gavin Jones)
Key Takeaways
- •Meloni’s unannounced visit marks the first by an EU leader to Saudi Arabia since the Iran‑triggered Strait of Hormuz crisis began on February 28, 2026.
- •Closure of the Strait has disrupted ~20% of global oil and LNG flows, triggering supply shocks and forcing Qatar to declare force majeure on some LNG supplies.
- •Italy faces an LNG shortfall: its Gulf supplier extended a pause affecting 10 cargoes through mid‑June, but starting June Italy will begin receiving LNG from the US Golden Pass facility to offset the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions about Italy's Meloni visits Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE amid Gulf tensions, energy worries
1Why did Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE?
The visit aimed to support Gulf partners facing Iranian attacks and safeguard Italy's energy supplies amid regional tensions.
2How have Gulf tensions affected Italy's energy imports?
Recent conflicts led to a pause in LNG deliveries from Qatar and disruptions in oil and gas flows affecting Italy's energy security.
3What percentage of Italy's gas and oil comes from the Gulf region?
Before the conflict, 10% of Italy's gas came from Qatari LNG and 12% of its oil imports were from the Middle East.
4How is Italy compensating for the loss of Gulf LNG deliveries?
Italy is set to begin receiving LNG from the Golden Pass facility in the United States starting from June.
