Against the backdrop of threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world's oil supplies passes, global prices for Brent oil have risen by 10%, reaching $80 per barrel. According to Reuters, this increase is driven by concerns for the safety of maritime transport in this strategically important area.
The escalation of the situation occurred after the outbreak of military conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States on February 28. Although the Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that there are no plans to close the strait, representatives of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned of a possible ban on vessel movement. As a result, the largest shipping operator Maersk, along with leading traders and oil companies, have suspended the transportation of fuel and liquefied natural gas through this region for safety reasons.
Analysts predict that the opening of trading on March 2 could lead to further increases in oil prices, which may settle in the range of $90 to $100 per barrel.
