ENERGY CHIEFS SLAM 'FANTASY' HYPE, PUSH FOR REALITY CHECK

'Pragmatic' voices warn hydrocarbons remain vital as leaders call for balanced, transition strategies

- BY ABDULAZIZ KHATTAK

THE global debate over the energy transition is shifting from lofty rhetoric to a more pragmatic conversation, as policymakers and industry leaders grapple with persistent demand growth, supply gaps, and geopolitical volatility.

Executives from oil, gas and power sectors are increasingly warning that while the drive for net-zero remains critical, the notion of a swift, cost-free transformation is colliding with economic and technical realities.

Their voices highlight not only the challenges of scaling renewable technologies but also the political and social implications of asking consumers to bear rising costs amid already fragile economic conditions worldwide.