Paris, March 23 -- The world could be heading towards one of the most severe energy crises in decades, International Energy Agency (IEA) Chief Fatih Birol has warned, citing escalating disruptions in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict.

Speaking before the National Press Club of Australia on Monday, Birol said that at least 40 energy assets across the Middle East have been "severely or very severely" damaged, raising serious concerns over global energy supply stability.

He cautioned that the situation is evolving into a crisis of unprecedented scale, combining multiple shocks to the global energy system. "The crisis, as things stand, is now two oil crises and one gas crash put all together," Birol said. "The global economy is fa...