Rising oil prices fueled by conflict in the Middle East are reshaping the global energy market, boosting electric vehicle sales to record levels while also fattening oil company profits. The International Energy Agency reported that EV sales jumped 35% in the second quarter compared with the first three months of the year, setting records in 50 countries. The surge is attributed to disruption of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, which has pushed up prices. Separately, Shell announced that its profits doubled over the same period, benefiting from the higher oil prices. The war in the Middle East, which involves Iran according to some reports, has tightened supply routes, leading to increased costs for conventional fuels and accelerating the shift to electric vehicles. The IEA’s data covers the second quarter of this year, while Shell’s profit figures reflect the same timeframe. Analysts note that the twin trends highlight how geopolitical instability can simultaneously spur demand for cleaner energy and boost the earnings of fossil fuel companies.