Rise of Brics challenges oil world order
The five economies are shaking up global markets, and they could be on the cusp of a major break from the existing order
The annual meeting of the Brics countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) in August may see the group make decisions that have serious consequences for oil and energy markets, including a shift away from the petrodollar. The Brics made news last year when they approved a motion to consider inviting new members. They hit the headlines again in April 2022 when they agreed to a proposal by China to establish the New Development Bank, which serves as an alternative for developing nations to Western/global financial institutions such as the World Bank. Later in 2022, Saudi Arabia indicated its interest in formally applying for Brics membership, as its relations with the US have fr
![](/images/white-fade.png)
Also in this section
5 September 2024
The 20th century’s two global conflicts made clear the geopolitical importance of oil, while Russia and Saudi Arabia joined the US as hydrocarbons superpowers
5 September 2024
In the second part of our history of oil special on the ascent of the US, Russia and Saudi Arabia, we examine the early years of the age of oil
5 September 2024
In this first part of the first chapter of our 90th anniversary special on the history of oil, we look at oil’s humble beginnings and the start of its rise to prominence
2 September 2024
The island nation plans to phase out nuclear energy and substitute coal for gas, but must first overcome import capacity constraints