Crude Oil Prices Rise Amid Hormuz Strait Uncertainty

Global crude oil prices rose on Monday as uncertainty continued over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for international oil shipments. Although Iran has indicated that a new maritime agreement with Oman is nearing completion, Tehran has reiterated that the United States must meet additional conditions before the strategic waterway can fully reopen.

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In the international market, Brent crude prices increased 1.09% to $84.46 per barrel. Meanwhile, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures climbed by 61 cents, or 0.78%, to $78.79 per barrel.

Hope of Hormuz Reopening Had Triggered Earlier Decline

Before the current conflict, around one-fifth of global oil shipments passed through the Strait of Hormuz, making the waterway critical to global energy markets.

Last week, crude oil prices had fallen by more than 7% across both major benchmarks amid expectations that Iran and Oman could reach an agreement that would help reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease concerns over global oil supplies.

However, continued uncertainty over the reopening of the route has once again pushed prices higher.

Iran Reiterates Compensation Demand

Iran has indicated that a maritime agreement with Oman is in its final stages. However, Tehran has also warned that the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened only after Washington fulfils additional conditions.

One of Iran’s key demands is compensation for what it describes as extensive US attacks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that the United States had violated an interim agreement reached in June.

According to Araghchi, there are currently no negotiations between the United States and Iran. He also said Tehran would not resume talks unless Washington complies with the agreement.

Fresh Threat to Global Oil Supply Chain

Concerns over the global oil supply chain have intensified following another attack on an oil facility in Saudi Arabia over the weekend.

The ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran has increased regional instability. Saudi Arabia has also entered defence agreements with Sunni allies Turkey and Pakistan amid the growing security concerns.

Just two days after the agreement, Iran-backed Houthi rebels reportedly claimed responsibility for targeting the Saudi Aramco refinery in Jazan.

Meanwhile, according to the UAE-based ADNOC, 15 of its vessels travelling through the Strait of Hormuz have come under attack since the conflict began.

With uncertainty surrounding the strategic waterway and fresh attacks threatening energy infrastructure, global markets remain highly sensitive to developments in the Middle East. Any prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could further impact crude oil supplies and put additional pressure on international oil prices.

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