Fuel prices jump as oil markets react to delays in Strait of Hormuz
Fuel prices have climbed sharply following a surge in global oil markets as delays and disruption in the strategic Strait of Hormuz raised concerns about supply constraints.
Gasoil and diesel futures on the Intercontinental Exchange jumped as much as 17 % at the open, hitting two-year highs before trimming some gains, a sign that rising crude costs are beginning to filter through into refined products.
The price rise comes against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical risk in the Middle East, where recent military strikes and tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran have disrupted tanker traffic through the Hormuz transit route — a chokepoint for roughly 20 % of global oil shipments.
Analysts say the delays are feeding into risk premiums in oil markets, with Brent crude at multi-month highs and traders bracing for further volatility if maritime traffic remains impaired. Higher crude costs typically translate into rising pump prices for motorists and increased energy costs for industries dependent on diesel and petrol.
Governments and refiners in energy-importing regions are monitoring the situation closely, with some exploring alternative supply arrangements to mitigate potential shortages should disruptions in the strait persist.
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