Meloni makes surprise Gulf trip to shore up Italy’s energy security
Giorgia Meloni flew unannounced to Jeddah on April 3 for a two-day Gulf tour that will include the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. The mission seeks new energy ties and political backing for Gulf partners facing Iranian attacks — the first EU/G20/NATO-leader visit to the region since the conflict began, with direct implications for Italian fuel supplies and prices.
Apr 3, 2026, 11:18 AM EDT
Why it matters:
- The trip aims to protect Italy’s oil and gas supplies at a time of war-driven disruption and rising prices.
Driving the news:
- Meloni landed in Jeddah on April 3 on an unannounced, two-day mission. - Palazzo Chigi says she will also visit the United Arab Emirates and Qatar and meet the region’s main leaders. - Rome frames the visit as both an energy-security push and a show of support for Gulf states under Iranian attacks.
The big picture:
- The Gulf remains a critical source of hydrocarbons for Italy and a major factor in global energy prices. - The trip is the first by a European Union/G20/NATO leader to the region since the war began on Feb. 28, signalling high diplomatic urgency.
By the numbers:
- Algeria currently supplies roughly 30% of Italy’s gas needs, a key stop in Rome’s recent energy diplomacy. - Before the war, Qatari LNG covered about 10% of Italy’s gas consumption and Middle East oil made up ~12% of Italy’s oil imports last year. - Iranian strikes have disrupted flows: QatarEnergy told Reuters that 17% of its LNG export capacity was knocked out last month. - The government has trimmed fuel excise taxes through May 1 to blunt price pain at the pump.
What to watch:
- Announcements on new supply contracts, LNG deliveries, or fast-track import agreements with Saudi Arabia, the UAE or Qatar. - Any joint security statements backing Gulf partners or coordinated steps on Strait of Hormuz transit security. - Whether Italy begins receiving U.S. Golden Pass LNG shipments in June to offset shortfalls.
The bottom line:
- Meloni’s surprise Gulf trip is a short, high-stakes push to lock in energy supplies and political support as the Middle East conflict threatens Italian fuel security.