Oil Futures Surge After Hormuz Blockade Order Sparks Supply Shock Fears

Oil futures surged sharply after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, intensifying fears of major supply disruptions. The decision followed failed nuclear negotiations with Iran and heightened geopolitical tensions in the region.

WTI crude futures rose about 7% to $96.40, while Brent crude increased roughly 7% to $97. Trading activity surged significantly, with WTI volume reaching $1.53 billion, making it one of the most actively traded instruments on the platform alongside major cryptocurrencies.

Strategic Oil Supply Risks Grow as Emergency Reserves Near Limits

The blockade threatens to deepen an already strained oil supply environment. Emergency stockpile releases coordinated by the International Energy Agency have been offsetting disruptions of 4.5 to 5 million barrels per day since late February. However, analysts warn the supply gap could widen to 10 to 11 million barrels per day if shipments through Hormuz remain restricted.

Fatih Birol previously cautioned that supply disruptions could intensify in April, potentially triggering higher inflation, increased equity market volatility, and renewed pressure on risk assets such as Bitcoin.

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