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Oil Prices Firm as Hormuz Closure Maintains Supply Concerns

Key Takeaways -Brent crude rose toward $107 a barrel, while WTI traded near $102 amid heightened supply concerns. -The Strait of Hormuz closure and US naval blockade sustain a risk premium in oil markets. -US-Iran ceasefire progress remains limited, keeping traders cautious despite ceasefire headlines. -Trump-Xi talks and partial Chinese vessel passage add potential but uncertain demand signals. -IEA warns global oil market will remain undersupplied until October, sustaining bullish structural pressure. -Technical levels are critical, with short-term support around $97–$95 and resistance near $100–$106. Oil prices continued to rise, with Brent approaching $107 and WTI near $102, as the market priced in continued disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. A recent vessel seizure near the strait and ongoing US naval blockade underscore the persistent threat to oil shipments. Traders are now focusing on actual shipping safety rather than just ceasefire headlines, keeping the supply-risk premium active. Diplomacy and Demand Signals The Trump-Xi summit added a layer of uncertainty for oil traders. While US and Chinese officials discussed keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, the differing readouts left the market cautious. Limited Chinese vessel passage provides some relief, but the strait remains a chokepoint handling roughly 20% of global oil and gas trade. Any breakdown in diplomacy or renewed conflict could drive prices higher. IEA Supply Warning Strengthens the Bull Case The International Energy Agency highlighted that the market will remain undersupplied through the third quarter, even if hostilities end. This structural deficit keeps buyers active, as inventory drawdowns, a closed Hormuz, and geopolitical risk combine to prevent sharp sell-offs despite broader demand concerns. Macro and Inflation Risks US inflation data adds pressure to global oil markets. Energy-driven price spikes feed into domestic inflation, influencing Federal Reserve policy expectations. High fuel costs could dampen consumer sentiment and complicate policy decisions, while the broader market remains sensitive to geopolitical and macroeconomic developments. Technical Outlook CL-OIL remains in a neutral-to-cautiously bullish phase, consolidating around $97.85. Short-term moving averages are flattening, reflecting range-bound momentum. Immediate support lies around $97–$95, with major support at $87. Resistance sits near $100–$106, where prior rallies have slowed. A breakout above $100 could trigger further gains, while a drop below $95 would test the resilience of the supply-risk premium. Discover how shipping risk, diplomacy, and IEA supply forecasts continue to shape oil markets in this article below.

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Publication date:

2026-05-15 06:59:16 (GMT)

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