The Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies, Patrick Pouyanne, has warned that a prolonged war in the Middle East could severely damage economies around the world. Speaking during an interview with Chinese broadcaster CGTN, Pouyanne said the global economy may struggle if the conflict continues for more than six months.

His warning comes as tensions rise around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route. Pouyanne explained that about 20 percent of the world’s oil normally passes through the strait, but current disruptions have trapped nearly 10 million barrels of crude oil per day, raising concerns about supply shortages.

However, he noted that the global economy may manage the shock if the conflict is short-lived. According to him, existing oil inventories can help cushion the impact for a few months, but a crisis lasting longer than six months could seriously threaten global economic stability.