"Oil reaches consumers: Tehran 'adjusts' level of disruption, prices fall on the market"

 

Oil prices fell below $102 on international markets on Monday, with analysts estimating that Iran is allowing shipments to pass through the “porous” Strait of Hormuz, ensuring supply to major buyers in Asia.

On the London market, a barrel traded in the afternoon at $101.83, down $1.31 from the close at the end of last week. On the U.S. market, it was cheaper by $3.46, at $95.25. Early-week market sentiment was shaped by assessments that Middle Eastern oil is indeed reaching buyers in Asia.

After a U.S.-Israeli strike, Iran took control of the Strait of Hormuz, banning transit by vessels associated with the U.S., Israel, European countries, and their allies.

“The strait is not blocked,” said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei last Thursday, according to the Iranian Mehr news agency, adding that ships must coordinate with the Iranian navy during transit to ensure navigation safety. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized on Monday that the strait is “closed only to enemies who cowardly attack Iran.” Analysts concluded early in the week that Iran has no interest in causing a severe price shock in oil markets.

Through the “porous” Strait of Hormuz, Tehran demonstrates its resolve while simultaneously “adjusting” the level of disruption so as not to alienate partners, according to Vezina-Poarer of BCA Research.

Markets note that oil from the region is still reaching buyers in Pakistan, India, and China. A complete closure of the strait could trigger a multinational operation to reopen it by military force, analysts at BCA Research warn.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump called on allies to support an operation to secure transit, but the response was largely negative.