Crude Oil Prices Rally as Middle East Tensions Escalate

The international crude oil market has regained upward momentum, with WTI crude rebounding to around $92 per barrel during Asian trading hours on Monday. This price surge is largely driven by escalating supply risks in the Middle East, where military actions between the United States and Iran have reignited concerns about regional crude supplies and security.

Over the weekend, the US took military action against Iranian-linked oil tankers, prompting Iran to expand restricted zones near the Strait of Hormuz. This development has raised doubts about the future efficiency of commercial vessel transit through the critical artery for global energy transport.

According to Commerzbank analysis, significant uncertainty remains regarding crude oil transportation through the Strait of Hormuz. The market is waiting to confirm whether the current decline in transportation volume is a short-term risk-aversion behavior or has evolved into a persistent supply bottleneck.