Background

Ann-Louise Hittle is head of macro oils research at Wood Mackenzie, one of the world's leading energy research and consultancy firms. Based in the UK, she specialises in global oil market analysis and price forecasting, tracking how geopolitical shocks translate into commodity price movements.

Hittle emerged as a key analyst voice as Brent Crude surged during the Iran-Israel-US conflict. When prices hit $119 per barrel in March 2026, she forecast that oil would reach $150 "soon", with $200 "not outside the realms of possibility" . She continued to be cited as Brent Crude climbed further, reaching a spot high of $126 .

Hittle's $200 forecast sat at the more bearish end of a cluster of analyst calls, alongside Vandana Hari of Vanda Insights, who made similar projections. The credibility question is live: if the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted, whether $200 oil triggers the global recession that Oxford Economics modelled at a $140 threshold becomes the defining test of her analysis.

Common Questions

Who is Ann-Louise Hittle?

Ann-Louise Hittle is head of macro oils research at Wood Mackenzie, a UK-based energy research firm. She became prominent during the 2026 Iran-Israel-US conflict for forecasting that Brent Crude could reach $150 imminently and that $200 was "not outside the realms of possibility".Source: Wood Mackenzie

What did Ann-Louise Hittle forecast for oil prices in the Iran war?

When Brent Crude hit $119 per barrel in March 2026, Hittle forecast it would reach $150 "soon", with $200 "not outside the realms of possibility". This put her among the more bullish analysts alongside Vandana Hari of Vanda Insights.Source: Wood Mackenzie

How does Wood Mackenzie's oil forecast compare to Goldman Sachs?

Wood Mackenzie's Hittle projected $150-$200 oil in March 2026. Goldman Sachs' Daan Struyven warned Brent could exceed its 2008 all-time intraday record of $147.50 if Hormuz flows remained depressed for 60 days. Both were bullish, though Goldman's call was more closely tied to the 60-day Hormuz scenario.Source: Goldman Sachs / Wood Mackenzie

What is Wood Mackenzie's role in oil market analysis?

Wood Mackenzie is a global energy research and consultancy firm. Its macro oils research team, led by Hittle, produces forecasts on oil price trajectories that are widely cited by media and used by traders, governments, and energy companies for planning.Source: Wood Mackenzie

Can oil really reach $200 a barrel?

In March 2026, multiple analysts including Hittle (Wood Mackenzie) and Vandana Hari (Vanda Insights) said $200 was plausible if the Strait of Hormuz remained disrupted. Oxford Economics modelled that $140 oil would already trigger a mild global recession at negative 0.7% GDP growth.Source: Wood Mackenzie / Oxford Economics

How the World Sees Them

China

China is one of the largest consumers of Middle Eastern crude and has been securing alternative supplies as the conflict drives up prices. Analyst projections like Hittle's $200 scenario raise Beijing's urgency to mediate or find discounted alternatives.

Gulf States

Saudi Arabia and Gulf producers stand to gain from elevated prices but fear demand destruction if $200 oil triggers a global recession. Hittle's analysis frames the price ceiling as a constraint on producer strategy, not just a windfall.

United States

US refiners and strategic planners closely watch major oil analyst forecasts as they calibrate the economic cost of the Iran conflict. Hittle's $200 call reinforces the case for diplomatic de-escalation before petrol prices become a domestic political liability.

European Union

Europe imports significant volumes of oil and has urged a ceasefire partly on economic grounds. Hittle's forecasts have been cited in European media as evidence of the financial stakes underpinning diplomatic pressure.