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Energy Stocks: The Effect of the February 28 Strikes on Iran on Shares of Popular Energy Companies

How the February 28 military action against Iran reshaped energy stock prices worldwide.

Oil Refinery Plant Of Petroleum On The Background Of Stock Charts

The escalation of conflict in the Middle East following the US-Israeli military strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026, sent shockwaves through the energy industry and financial markets. Oil prices surged amid global supply fears tied to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, and investors rushed to reposition for higher crude valuations. According to the data, there was plenty of upside.

To add to the uncertainty, the full effects on global supply chains are still unfolding.

The following data is of energy stock price action from February 27, 2026 (the day before the strikes) through today, April 15, 2026. Explore data of energy stocks and the impact of the Iran war globally to see which oil stocks have accelerated since the February 28 military action began.

The Iran war on oil

The military action has disrupted key oil supply routes and heightened geopolitical risk, driving up global crude prices and boosting revenue potential for producers and midstream operators. While companies with diversified or non-Middle East production could gain a competitive edge, industry analysts believe this conflict drove strong gains across most of the energy sector as higher oil prices flow through to the bottom line.

The energy industry has complex, cross-border operations, meaning no major player is completely insulated from global price swings.

5 biggest winners and laggards from the Iran war

Even as the conflict continues to create significant global uncertainty, the February 28 strikes are driving solid returns for many energy stocks, though results are mixed.

As of the close of April 15, 2026, the biggest winners from the Iran war are BW Energy (BWEFF), Sky Quarry (SKYQ), TC Energy (TRP), La Française de l’Énergie (FDENF) and NCS Multistage Holdings (NCSM). These stocks have seen the largest gains since February 27 — the day before the strikes.

The biggest laggards are Mexco Energy Corporation (MXC), Comstock Resources (CRK), SandRidge Energy (SD), Gulfport Energy (GPOR) and Tourmaline Oil (TRMLF). These stocks have seen the smallest gains or outright declines since the strikes began.

Biggest winners from the Iran war

Biggest laggards from the Iran war

The impact of the Iran war on stocks of different regions

Energy stocks across the board responded positively to the US-Israeli strikes, with solid gains reflecting the surge in oil prices. US producers stood to benefit the most from the price surge with limited direct exposure to the conflict, as investors favored domestic producers less exposed to direct Middle East risk.

Regional impact on energy stocks (approximate averages)

  • US: Strong double- and triple-digit gains for many producers and midstream names
  • Europe: Solid gains for integrated majors and operators with limited Middle East exposure
  • Canada/North America: Healthy appreciation, especially for pipeline and E&P names
  • Asia/Other: More varied results depending on production exposure and refining margins

Impact on US energy stocks

It’s been a strong period for many US energy companies, including ConocoPhillips (COP), EOG Resources (EOG), Occidental Petroleum (OXY) and Phillips 66 (PSX). While smaller and more leveraged names posted triple-digit gains, even the largest integrated and E&P players delivered healthy double-digit returns.

Impact on US energy stock prices (selected popular names)

Impact on European energy stocks

European names posted solid gains as higher oil prices flowed through to integrated majors and operators with limited direct Middle East exposure. No major European energy company was left behind in the broad sector rally.

Impact on European energy stock prices (selected popular names)

Impact on Canadian energy stocks

Canadian producers and pipeline operators saw healthy appreciation, especially those with strong North American exposure. Pipeline names like TC Energy delivered outsized gains while larger integrated players posted steady double-digit returns.

Impact on Canadian energy stock prices (selected popular names)

Key takeaway

US producers and midstream companies — particularly smaller and more leveraged names — delivered some of the strongest gains, as they were largely insulated from direct Middle East supply risks while capturing the upside of higher global oil prices. European and other international integrated majors also posted solid returns, but gains were generally more moderate due to their broader global exposure.

What investors should watch next

  • If the conflict de-escalates quickly, the biggest winners could give back some gains as oil prices pull back.
  • Companies with heavy refining exposure (some of the laggards) may continue to lag if crude prices stay high but refining profit margins shrink.
  • Pipeline and midstream names have shown the most resilience so far because their revenue is tied more to volume than price volatility.
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Written by

Investments editor and market analyst

Matt Miczulski is an investments editor and market analyst at Finder. With over 450 bylines, Matt dissects and reviews brokers and investing platforms to expose perks and pain points, explores investment products and concepts and covers market news, making investing more accessible and helping readers to make informed financial decisions. Before joining Finder in 2021, Matt covered everything from finance news and banking to debt and travel for FinanceBuzz. His expertise and analysis on investing and other financial topics has been featured on Yahoo Finance, CBS, MSN, Best Company and Consolidated Credit, among others. Matt holds a BA in history from William Paterson University. See full bio

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Matt has written 229 Finder guides across topics including:
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