[International Energy Agency Director: Strait of Hormuz Closure Continues, Crude Oil and Refined Product Losses in April Will Double] Odaily Planet Daily News – International Energy Agency (IEA) Director Fatih Birol warned that if the Strait of Hormuz does not reopen to shipping, the amount of crude oil and refined products lost in April will be twice that of March. Even if the conflict ends, it will take a long time to return to normal. 'We are monitoring all critical energy assets in the region on an hourly basis,' he said, referring to oil and gas fields, pipelines, refineries, and liquefied natural gas terminals. 'Currently, 72 energy assets have been damaged, with one-third suffering severe or very severe damage,' he added. Birol praised Saudi Arabia for its swift response to the crisis, as the country rerouted more than two-thirds of its oil exports through a pipeline to the Red Sea. Birol stated that Saudi Arabia's top authorities assured him that this critical pipeline is well-protected. However, Birol pointed out that if this route were to be attacked, the consequences for the global economy would be extremely severe. (Jin10)