Topic
crude oil
How US quietly kept Gulf crude moving despite Iran's Hormuz blockade
The US military has been overseeing secretive ship-to-ship oil transfers to keep Gulf crude exports moving despite Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The operation, which began in early May, involves smaller tankers carrying oil through the strait and transferring it to larger vessels at hubs off Fujairah and Sohar. An estimated 90 million barrels of crude and petroleum products have moved through this offshore network since early May.
India May Require Refiners to Triple Crude Oil Inventories After Lessons From China
Drawing lessons from China, India may ask domestic refiners to maintain significantly larger crude oil inventories as a safeguard against future supply shocks. The proposal, still at an early stage, would require refiners to hold stocks beyond the current 15-day operational buffer. If implemented, refiners could need to hold around 150 million barrels, requiring nearly Rs 60,000 crore in additional crude purchases and billions more in storage infrastructure.
Commodities Middle East crude slips into discounts as US-Iran deal lifts global supply outlook
Middle East crude benchmarks flipped into contango this week after the US and Iran agreed a framework deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, boosting supply expectations. Dubai's premium turned to a 46-cent discount, the first since January, while Oman and Murban also flipped to discounts amid weak Asian refining demand and emerging arbitrage flows to Europe and the US.
Commodities Crude Oil Futures Decline on Expectations of Higher Global Supplies Following US-Iran Peace Deal
Crude oil futures fell on Wednesday morning on expectations of increased global supplies after a proposed US-Iran peace deal. The interim agreement, expected to be signed Friday, would allow Iran to sell oil and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. According to a Reuters report cited by The Hindu BusinessLine, the deal includes the US ending its blockade of Iran's ports.
US Strategic Petroleum Reserve Falls to Lowest Level Since 1983 Amid Iran Conflict
The US Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) has fallen to 340.3 million barrels as of June 12, 2026, the lowest since July 1983. The Trump administration released 8.9 million barrels over the past week, part of 75 million barrels drawn since the war with Iran began in late February. Industry officials warn the reserve could face operational constraints if the drawdown continues, with replenishment not expected before hurricane season.
US-Iran Peace Deal Could Push Brent Below $80 per Barrel, Boosting India's Crude Oil Supplies
A potential US-Iran peace deal, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, could push Brent crude below $80 per barrel within two to three weeks, according to Indian refinery executives. The Gulf region supplied 40% of India's crude imports before the conflict, and resumed flows would ease supply constraints and lower freight costs. Additional OPEC+ output and the return of Iranian crude are also expected to pressure prices lower.
US Strategic Petroleum Reserve Falls to Lowest Level Since 1983 Amid Iran War
The US Strategic Petroleum Reserve fell to 340.3 million barrels as of June 12, 2026, its lowest since July 1983, as the Trump administration continues emergency releases to mitigate economic damage from the war with Iran. The reserve has dropped 75 million barrels (18%) since the conflict began in late February. Officials warn the stockpile must remain at least 20% full to be operational.
Wall Street Rallies, Oil Tumbles as US and Iran Reach Deal; AI and Travel Stocks Surge
Wall Street rallied sharply on Monday after the United States and Iran reached a tentative agreement to extend the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, causing oil prices to plunge. The S&P 500 rose 1.5%, the Dow jumped 638 points, and the Nasdaq gained 2.3%. AI-linked stocks and travel companies surged, while easing oil prices reduced inflation fears and lowered the probability of a Fed rate hike.
Dalal Street Outlook: Inflation, Fed Verdict, Crude Oil, and US-Iran Deal Hopes to Steer Indian Markets
Indian equity markets face a week shaped by domestic inflation data, the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision, crude oil price movements, and progress on the proposed US-Iran agreement. Foreign portfolio investor outflows remain a pressure point, while a strong previous week saw the Sensex gain 1,284.61 points.
Rupee rallies to five-week high on crude oil plunge; RBI measures add to momentum
The Indian rupee strengthened to a five-week high of 94.71 against the US dollar on Monday, supported by a sharp drop in crude oil prices after a preliminary US-Iran agreement and by RBI measures to attract dollar inflows. Traders and economists see further support for the currency, though the central bank's willingness to allow gains remains a key factor.
Logistics Pan Ocean linked to four-VLCC order at Hanwha Ocean in $524m deal
Pan Ocean has been identified as the buyer behind a four-vessel VLCC order at Hanwha Ocean, valued at KRW800.1bn ($524m). The order follows a $700m VLCC acquisition from SK Shipping and highlights Pan Ocean's continued expansion into crude tanker shipping, complementing its core dry bulk operations.
Logistics Capital Tankers Expands VLCC Fleet with Three Newbuilds from Marinakis Affiliate
Capital Tankers, backed by Evangelos Marinakis, is acquiring three VLCC newbuilding contracts from parent company Capital Maritime & Trading Corp. The vessels are under construction at China's Hengli Shipbuilding for delivery in late 2027. The transaction involves an upfront payment of $111.8 million by end of June, with remaining balances due upon delivery, and is expected to strengthen the company's orderbook.
India Secures Crude and LPG Supplies Through August Amid Middle East Crisis
Indian refiners have secured crude oil inventories to meet demand through at least August and LPG supplies through mid-July, according to Reuters sources. Recent purchases include 4 million barrels of Murban crude by HPCL from Totsa and Mercuria. India and the UAE are also accelerating plans to expand strategic oil reserves to 30 million barrels.
India Has Over 60 Days of Crude and Gas Stocks, Hardeep Puri Rules Out Energy Crunch
India holds over 60 days of crude and natural gas stocks and 75-80 days of LPG, according to Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. Domestic LPG production has risen sharply, and fuel prices have fallen 3.1% since May 2022, contrasting with steep increases in other nations. The minister also outlined a push for E85 fuel pumps and piped natural gas.
Commodities Crude oil futures decline over 4% after Trump announces Iran peace deal
Crude oil futures declined by more than 4% on Monday after US President Donald Trump announced a peace deal with Iran, including the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and removal of the naval blockade. August Brent crude fell to $83.27 per barrel, while July WTI dropped to $80.55. Other commodities like natural gas also declined, while jeera and dhaniya futures rose.
Gold and Silver Prices Drop Over 1% as US-Iran Tensions and Inflation Data Weigh on Sentiment
Gold and silver prices declined over 1% on Thursday as escalating US-Iran tensions and stronger-than-expected US inflation data boosted the dollar and Treasury yields. MCX silver fell Rs 1,705 per kg, while gold dropped Rs 2,100 per 10 grams in Delhi. Investors now await Fed signals and US PPI data.
Asian Markets Rally, Crude Plunges on US-Iran Peace Deal Announcement at Strait of Hormuz
Asian equities advanced sharply and crude oil prices fell steeply after signs of a preliminary US-Iran peace deal, including reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif and US President Donald Trump confirmed the agreement, which boosts hopes of lower global inflation and reduced pressure on central banks.
BSE Sensex Crashes Over 900 Points, Nifty50 Near 23,100 as US-Israel-Iran Tensions Fuel Sell-Off
Indian equity markets opened sharply lower on June 8, 2026, with the BSE Sensex crashing over 900 points and the Nifty50 falling near the 23,100 mark. The sell-off was driven by escalating geopolitical tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran, along with a surge in crude oil prices. Technical indicators show a weak setup with key support at 23,000-23,100.
Gold and Silver Outlook: Central Bank Meetings, US-Iran Deal, and Crude Oil in Focus
Gold and silver prices are expected to remain range-bound as traders watch central bank meetings (Bank of Japan, Fed, Bank of England), US-Iran deal developments, and crude oil movements. Domestic gold futures on MCX fell 3.2% to around Rs 1.50 lakh/10g, while Comex gold dropped nearly 3% to $4,238.8/oz. Analysts note volatility from US-Iran uncertainty, with safe-haven buying after reports of no imminent military action.
Strait of Hormuz Closure: Fitch Says High Oil Prices a Temporary Shock as Supply to Return to Surplus
Fitch Ratings expects the Strait of Hormuz to reopen by end of July, bringing oil prices back to an average of $87 per barrel in 2026. The agency says the recent surge is a temporary logistical bottleneck, not a permanent supply loss, and markets will return to surplus from September.
Oil shock to inflation risk: How Middle East war is reshaping India's economic outlook
The Iran war is causing a severe oil shock for India, the world's third-largest oil importer. Benchmark crude surged to nearly $120/barrel, and natural gas prices rose 75%. The RBI now expects inflation to average 5.1% in FY27, up from 3.48% in April, and economic growth to slow to 6.6% from 7.7%. Supply disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz and higher fertiliser costs are compounding risks for key crops like wheat amid a potential El Nino.
Oil Prices Jump Over 3% as Iran-Israel Conflict Resumes, Straits of Hormuz Threatens Supply
Oil prices surged more than 3% on Monday as the Middle East crisis crossed 100 days with renewed Iran-Israel hostilities. WTI crude rose to $93.87/barrel and Brent to $96.36/barrel. OPEC+ approved a 188,000 bpd output increase for July, but analysts doubt it will ease supply fears due to the Strait of Hormuz blockade.
Logistics Strait of Hormuz Closure Hits 100 Days as Dark Tanker Trade Masks True Oil Flow
The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed for more than 100 days, causing a 95% reduction in crude shipments from Arabian Gulf ports and a 99% drop in LNG carriers, according to WTO data. The 'dark trade' of vessels running without AIS transponders makes actual oil flows difficult to quantify, but analysts estimate 100 million barrels may have moved through since May 1. Despite the disruption, Brent crude sits at $87.55 per barrel due to buffers from China, the US, Brazil, and Canada. Recovery may take years, with IEA warning of up to two years for energy facility repairs.
Commodities Oil Prices Jump After Iran Missile Strikes Test Fragile Ceasefire with Israel
Oil prices climbed on Monday morning after Iran fired missiles at Israel for the first time since a fragile ceasefire was agreed in April. Brent crude jumped 2.6% to $95.50 a barrel, while US crude rose 2.5% to $92.75. The strikes threaten to further disrupt oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trade India Eyes Canada for Crude Oil Amid Diversification Efforts
India is exploring Canada as a potential supplier of crude oil, focusing on heavy crude compatible with its refineries. High Commissioner Dinesh Patnaik highlighted ongoing discussions despite regulatory concerns.
Commodities Crude Oil Futures Fall as Trump Signals Possible Iran Deal
Crude oil futures traded lower after US President Donald Trump signaled a possible peace deal with Iran. August Brent fell 1.90% to $88.66, and July WTI dropped 1.82% to $86.11. ING analysts expressed caution, noting past false starts and quiet signals from Tehran. OPEC's May production fell 177,000 b/d, led by Iran's 546,000 b/d decline, while Saudi, UAE, and Iraq increased output.
Commodities Crude Oil Futures Rise Amid US-Iran Tensions
Crude oil futures saw an increase following US military strikes on Iran. Brent and WTI futures rose, driven by geopolitical tensions and potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
How Iran and Gulf States Bypass Hormuz Blockade to Stabilize Oil Prices
Despite the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and a US naval blockade, crude oil prices have not reached the feared $200 per barrel. This stability is due to covert shipping networks and alternative trade routes developed by Iran and its Arab neighbors, ensuring continued oil flow.
India and UAE to Expand Strategic Crude Oil Reserves
India and the UAE are collaborating to expand UAE-linked crude oil storage in India from 5.8 million barrels to 30 million barrels. This initiative involves new construction projects and potential storage at Mangalore, Visakhapatnam, and Chandikol.
Crude Oil Futures Surge Amid US-Iran Tensions
Crude oil futures saw an uptick following US military strikes on Iranian targets. The geopolitical tension has influenced Brent and WTI futures, with significant movements in the market.
Commodities Crude Oil Futures Dip as Iran and Israel Agree to Ceasefire
Crude oil futures fell after Iran and Israel agreed to cease attacks, following US President Trump's intervention. Brent and WTI futures saw declines, reversing gains from earlier geopolitical tensions.
Crude Oil Prices Stabilize Below $100 Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Crude oil prices on the NYMEX have stabilized below $100 per barrel, despite significant disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Alternative supply routes and reduced Chinese demand have helped prevent a spike to $200.
Commodities Crude Oil Futures Rise Amid Middle East Tensions
Crude oil futures increased following Hezbollah's rejection of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, affecting US-Iran negotiations. Brent and WTI futures saw modest gains, while geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions continue to influence the market.
Commodities Crude Oil Prices Surge Amid West Asia Tensions
Crude oil prices have surged over 2% due to escalating tensions in West Asia and stalled negotiations between the US and Iran. Brent crude is trading at $98.02 per barrel, while WTI is at $95.78 per barrel.
BSE Sensex Rises 400 Points; Nifty50 Surpasses 23,600
The BSE Sensex opened over 400 points higher, while the Nifty50 surpassed 23,600, driven by gains in Asian equities. Crude oil prices rose by 2%, adding to market dynamics.
Indian Refiners Adapt to New Crude Mix Amid Hormuz Crisis
Indian refiners are modifying their operations to handle a wider range of crude oil grades due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. This adjustment aims to optimize fuel production amid geopolitical tensions.
Transporters Urge Fuel Price Cut Amid Crude Oil Drop
The All India Motor & Goods Transport Association (AIMGTA) has called on the Indian government to reduce petrol and diesel prices following a drop in crude oil prices to $90 per barrel. This move aims to alleviate pressure on transport operators and reduce logistics costs.
Commodities Crude Oil Prices Drop 4% on US-Iran Deal Hopes
Crude oil prices fell over 4% as optimism grew around a potential US-Iran agreement that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This development has significant implications for global oil supply and market dynamics.
Commodities Crude Oil Futures Surge Amid US-Iran Tensions
Crude oil futures saw a notable increase following US military strikes in Southern Iran. Brent and WTI futures rose by nearly 2% amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
Commodities Crude Oil Prices Plummet Amid Truce Speculations
Crude oil prices have dropped significantly in May, with Brent crude falling 19% due to speculation over a potential truce renewal between the US and Iran. The possible agreement could lead to resumed oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global supply.
Commodities Crude Oil Futures Dip Amid US-Iran Negotiations
Crude oil futures saw a decline as indirect talks between the US and Iran continued. August Brent oil futures dropped to $95, while July WTI futures fell to $91.96. The negotiations aim to ease tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Commodities Crude Oil Futures Dip on US-Iran Ceasefire Extension Hopes
Crude oil futures fell amid reports of a potential US-Iran ceasefire extension. Brent and WTI futures saw declines, influenced by geopolitical developments and inventory data.
Crude Oil Futures Dip Amid US-Iran Deal Speculations
Crude oil futures saw a significant drop as reports of a potential US-Iran deal emerged. Brent and WTI futures both fell over 5%, influenced by geopolitical developments and market reactions.
Commodities Brent Crude Prices Surge Above $100 Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Brent crude oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel, driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. This price increase could lead to an earnings downgrade cycle, particularly affecting sectors sensitive to fuel costs.