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oi-Prakash KL
Global oil prices edged lower in early trade, offering some relief to markets rattled by weeks of geopolitical turbulence, after Donald Trump struck an optimistic tone on the prospects of a lasting ceasefire with Iran.
Benchmark Brent Crude drifted towards the $98 per barrel mark, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) hovered around $93, reversing part of the sharp gains seen in the previous session. At the time of writing, WTI crude was priced at $93.50, down 1.26%, while Brent slipped 1.12% to $98.28.
Global oil prices decreased, with WTI crude around $93 and Brent crude near $98, after optimistic US statements regarding a potential Iran ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, though markets remain cautious due to unconfirmed Iranian concessions.
The decline comes amid renewed diplomatic signals from Washington suggesting a potential breakthrough in tensions with Tehran. Trump indicated that Iran may be willing to accept terms it has previously resisted – including reopening the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz – a key artery for global oil supply.
However, markets remain cautious. Iranian authorities have yet to confirm any such concessions publicly, leaving traders wary of a premature rally. Analysts note that while rhetoric has softened, the path to a comprehensive agreement remains uncertain.
Broader oil benchmarks showed mixed trends. While Middle Eastern grades such as Dubai crude rose sharply, others like the OPEC basket and the Indian basket recorded notable declines, reflecting uneven sentiment across regions.
| Futures & Indexes | Last | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| WTI Crude | 93.43 | -1.26 | |
| Brent Crude | 98.16 | -1.23 | |
| Murban Crude | 101.66 | +0.81 | |
| Natural Gas | 2.657 | +0.010 | |
| Gasoline | 3.151 | -0.013 | |
| Heating Oil | 3.806 | -0.027 | |
| WTI Midland | 98.49 | +4.24 | |
| Mars | 116.97 | +0.40 | |
| Opec Basket | 104.56 | -5.33 | |
| DME Oman | 100.67 | +1.64 | |
| Mexican Basket | 88.81 | -0.06 | |
| Indian Basket | 110.52 | -5.74 | |
| Urals | 116.40 | -1.06 | |
| Western Canadian Select | 75.78 | -3.15 | |
| AECO C natural gas | 0.950 | +0.110 | |
| Dubai | 105.51 | +4.76 | |
| Brent Weighted Average | 95.31 | -5.86 | |
| Louisiana Light | 95.82 | -10.15 | |
| Domestic Swt. @ Cushing | 87.77 | +0.01 | |
| Giddings | 81.52 | +0.01 | |
| ANS West Coast | 110.61 | +2.56 | |
| Gulf Coast HSFO | 81.03 | +0.78 | |
| Ethanol | 1.900 | -0.010 | |
| Dutch TTF Natural Gas | 14.34 | -0.69 | |
| LNG Japan/Korea Marker | 19.20 | -0.15 |
Supply Shock Still Lingers
Despite the latest dip, the underlying market remains fragile. The ongoing conflict – now approaching its 50th day – has delivered a substantial shock to global energy supply chains.
Iran’s earlier move to restrict traffic through the Strait of Hormuz disrupted nearly 20% of global crude flows, triggering a sharp spike in prices. The situation worsened after the United States imposed a naval blockade, further tightening supply and fuelling volatility across energy markets.
Diplomatic sources across the Gulf and Europe suggest that even if negotiations progress positively, a full-fledged US-Iran agreement could take up to six months. In the interim, there are increasing calls to extend the current ceasefire arrangement to stabilise markets and prevent further disruptions.
For now, oil traders are navigating a delicate balance between hope and uncertainty. While easing tensions have cooled prices slightly, any setback in negotiations could quickly reignite volatility.
The coming weeks will be critical, with markets closely tracking both geopolitical developments and supply dynamics before committing to a clearer direction.
