On the London ICE exchange, the price of oil for delivery in May 2026 increased by more than 10 percent, marking the first such rise since September 29, 2023. At the same time, WTI oil futures for April 2026 rose to $92.37 per barrel, reflecting a 14.02 percent increase.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has changed its strategy regarding the escorting of tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, stated that Washington plans to first weaken Iran's positions and only then, when the situation allows, begin escorting vessels through this key waterway.
Previously, experts predicted a sharp rise in oil prices, attributing the cause to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Minister of Energy of Qatar, Saad al-Kaabi, warned that in the coming days, all energy exporters in the Persian Gulf could declare force majeure, which would lead to oil prices rising to $150 per barrel.
