Middle East conflict - Oil and gas market implications: A continuing assessment

Laura joined Kpler in July 2021 and is leading the build-out of the natural gas and LNG Insight service, which has comprehensive coverage of LNG, European and US natural gas market fundamentals, as well as JKM, TTF and Henry Hub price forecasts. She has been analysing commodity markets for over 12 years, covering a broad range of markets including metals, fertilisers, European power and LNG. Laura has been focusing on LNG markets since 2015, working at Argus Media as Deputy Editor of the LNG Daily report and at Refinitiv (now LSEG) as Lead LNG analyst. Laura is based in London and holds a BA and MSc in Economics from the University of Exeter.

Amena Bakr is the Head of Middle East Energy & OPEC-plus research at Kpler, based in Dubai. She leads oil market analysis, OPEC policy research, and risk assessments in the Middle East. Previously, she was a senior research analyst at Energy Intelligence Group and served as Chief OPEC Correspondent and Dubai Deputy Bureau Chief for eight years, earning multiple journalism awards, including the 2023 OPEC award for best journalist. She also worked as an Energy Correspondent for Reuters in Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh, covering energy and political risk. Amena holds a BA in Business Administration from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport in Egypt, with a major in management information systems.

Prior to Kpler's acquisition, Andon had spent five years at JBC Energy, leading the downstream research team. For the past three years, he has spearheaded in-depth analyses on refinery margin estimates, operational supply and demand modelling, and forecasting, along with comprehensive cross-barrel analyses. Working alongside his team of seasoned professionals at Kpler, recently, Andon expanded his leadership to oversee liquids and freight research at Kpler. He is based in Vienna, Austria.

Homayoun brings over 11 years of experience in theoil and gas industry, with a strong track record inmarket analysis and strategic insight. ​He leads Kpler’s crude oil analysis team, managing ateam of analysts focused on global oil marketdynamics, from supply and demand fundamentals togeopolitical drivers.​ Homayoun frequently delivers insights to globalclients and speaks at major industry events.​ Homayoun holds an MSc in Energy Management fromESCP Europe and an MA in MENA Geopolitics fromSciences Po Grenoble. He is fluent in Farsi and French and is based in Paris, France.

Ronald Pinto is an energy professional with 14 years of industry experience, blending engineering and international relations expertise. As a Principal Insight Analyst for LNG & Natural Gas at Kpler, Ronald shapes short-term outlooks for European and American gas markets by analyzing fundamentals and geopolitical trends. With a background in energy policy in the energy transition context, Ronald brings a holistic perspective to market analysis, driving strategic decisions for industry stakeholders.

Go Katayama is a Principal Insights Analyst - LNG & Natural Gas at Kpler based in Tokyo with over a decade of experience analysing global LNG markets for various clients and internal stakeholders. He leads Kpler Insights fundamental analysis on Asian demand. Prior to joining Kpler, he was Senior LNG analyst and Japan power regulation Advisor at Shell and global LNG consultant at Poten & Partners. He holds a master's degree in Global Energy Policy from New York University.

With over 25 years of trading and broking experience in the energy market, joined Kpler in 2022 as Head of Market Engagement for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia. Works closely with clients providing advice and support across the energy sector, leveraging data and analytical tools to offer expert counsel on market trends and opportunities. Was instrumental in supporting the launch of the AG fuel oil derivative contract in 2016 and continues to advise traders, exchanges, and PRAs. Career includes positions as trader for Trafigura, director at Nigerian energy company Oando, and director at brokerage house Starfuels. Regularly appears as energy commentator for newspapers, radio, television and newswires, and sits on various industry panels.