Italy’s Meloni Visits Saudi, Qatar, UAE to Secure Energy Supplies Amid Gulf Crisis
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has embarked on a high-stakes diplomatic tour of the Gulf region, aiming to strengthen energy security and reinforce ties with key partners amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The visit underscores Europe’s growing concern over energy disruptions.
The visit, which began with an unannounced stop in Saudi Arabia, will also include meetings in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. According to officials, the two-day mission is focused on ensuring stable energy supplies for Italy while expressing support for Gulf nations facing growing security threats linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The tour is both strategic and urgent.
Meloni’s trip is particularly significant as it marks the first visit by a European Union leader to Saudi Arabia since the outbreak of the conflict earlier this year. The war has disrupted global energy markets, raising concerns in Europe about fuel availability and soaring prices. Italy, which relies heavily on imported energy, has been among the countries most exposed to these shocks. The timing of the visit is critical.
Government sources indicated that one of the key objectives of the visit is to reassure Gulf allies of Italy’s continued cooperation, both economically and strategically. Rome has already been providing defensive support to regional partners and remains open to further collaboration, particularly in response to threats such as drone and missile attacks. Security cooperation is also on the agenda.
Energy concerns are at the heart of the trip. Before the conflict, around 10% of Italy’s natural gas consumption was supplied through liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Qatar, while approximately 12% of its oil imports came from the Middle East. However, recent disruptions—especially those linked to instability around the Strait of Hormuz—have significantly affected supply flows. The impact on Italy has been considerable.
Italy has already been informed of delays in LNG shipments from the Gulf, with multiple cargoes expected between April and mid-June now unlikely to be delivered. The situation has been worsened by damage to Qatar’s LNG production capacity due to regional hostilities, further tightening global supply. The delays are adding pressure to Italy’s energy grid.
In response, the Italian government has been actively seeking alternative energy sources. Meloni recently visited Algeria to secure increased gas supplies from North Africa and is planning a future trip to Azerbaijan, another key energy partner. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to diversify energy imports and reduce dependence on any single region. Diversification is now a national priority.
Additionally, Italy is preparing to receive new LNG shipments from the United States starting in June, which are expected to help offset the shortfall caused by disruptions in Gulf supplies. The move reflects a growing shift toward diversified global sourcing as countries adapt to an increasingly volatile energy landscape. The US shipments will provide some relief.
The trip also underscores the wider geopolitical implications of the Middle East crisis. With energy routes under threat and key infrastructure impacted, European nations are becoming more directly engaged in diplomatic efforts to stabilise the region and safeguard their own economic interests. For Italy, maintaining strong ties with Gulf producers is seen as essential not only for energy security but also for broader economic stability. The stakes are high.
Meloni’s visit comes at a time when rising fuel prices are already placing pressure on households and businesses in Italy. The government has introduced measures such as temporary fuel tax cuts to ease the burden, but officials acknowledge that long-term solutions depend on securing reliable energy supplies and managing geopolitical risks. Short-term fixes are not enough.
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Overall, the Gulf tour highlights Italy’s urgent push to navigate a rapidly changing energy environment. By strengthening partnerships with key producers and expanding alternative supply channels, Rome hopes to shield its economy from further disruptions while playing a more active role in regional diplomacy. The outcome of the visit will be closely watched.
