Implications for Global Systems
The ongoing conflict in Iran is exerting significant pressure on global fuel supplies and causing widespread economic disruptions. UNSW experts provide comprehensive insights into these ripple effects of the Iran war. Dr Timothy Neal, a Scientia Senior Lecturer in Economics at UNSW Sydney, highlights how the economic shocks are straining supply chains similar to the disruptions during COVID-19. Panic buying and demand surges further stress just-in-time supply chains designed to minimise inventory.
Crises can act as behavioural ‘tipping points’, according to Professor Ben Newell, Director at the UNSW Institute for Climate Risk & Response. Such events may prompt individuals to reassess habits like energy consumption and transport choices, potentially leading to increased adoption of electric vehicles.
Behavioural and Sectoral Shifts
Global food systems face disruptions due to the war, comments Professor Johannes le Coutre, an expert in food security at UNSW Engineering. Fertiliser supply and shipping routes are affected, impacting crop yields, nutrition, and health. Highly efficient food systems, while beneficial, often lack resilience to disruption.
Governments and large employers might use remote and hybrid work to maintain operations during energy shocks, analyses Associate Professor Sue Williamson from UNSW Canberra’s School of Business. Effective implementation requires managerial support and employee engagement, considering uneven impacts across different workers.
Jet fuel disruptions significantly impact airline operations, notes Associate Professor Cheng-Lung Wu from the School of Aviation at UNSW Sydney. Airlines may need to prioritise routes and manage scheduling constraints to cope with fuel volatility. His research examines how aviation networks respond to operational stress.
Dr Graham Doig, an aeronautical engineering and aviation systems expert at UNSW Sydney, explores the impact of fuel supply disruptions on air transport, freight, and logistics. The aviation industry must adapt to operational constraints and shifting demand to ensure continuity.
UNSW experts, including Dr Wesley Morgan, continue to monitor the evolving situation, providing ongoing insights into the multifaceted impacts of the Iran conflict. Their interdisciplinary perspectives highlight the complex interplay between economic, behavioural, and sectoral changes during such crises.
Last updated: 4 April 2026, 7:58 pm
