Global energy markets have reacted with a sharp price spike following threats from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to close the Strait of Hormuz. During Monday's trading sessions, Brent crude jumped by more than 10%, momentarily surpassing the $82 per barrel mark. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also demonstrated significant growth, with prices rising above $71 as markets responded to reports of a de facto standstill in regional tanker traffic.
Analysts from leading investment banks warn that the current surge may only be the beginning. Should the blockade persist and the military conflict escalate, experts from Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan suggest that oil prices could reach $100 or higher. The situation is further complicated by the fact that approximately one-fifth of global fuel exports pass through the strait, meaning any delivery delays create immediate shortages in Asian and European markets.
In parallel with oil benchmarks, European natural gas prices have seen an anomalous spike. Following news of supply restrictions from Qatar, futures contracts surged by 40-50%. Investors fear that a prolonged crisis in the Persian Gulf will trigger a new wave of global inflation and force shipping companies to completely overhaul their logistical routes.