Oil Prices Surge 6.4% Amid US-Iran Strait of Hormuz Tensions

Oil prices increased significantly in morning trading on Monday as tensions escalated between the US and Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude futures rose by 6.4%, reaching $96.13, while West Texas Intermediate climbed by 7.5% to $90.15. The surge follows previous declines after Iran announced the strait would remain open to commercial shipping during a ceasefire. The ongoing conflict has implications for energy markets, given that the Strait of Hormuz is a key transit point for about 20% of global oil and LNG supplies.