Oil prices are soaring above 100 USD/barrel, with WTI reaching 114 USD and Brent surpassing 113 USD, marking the highest levels since 2022
Brent crude has risen by more than 30% and WTI has recorded a 35% increase since the escalation of the conflict, while shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are almost halted
Regional production cuts exceed 4 million barrels per day, as the UAE, Kuwait, and Iraq reduce their output due to storage limitations
Market overview
Gasoline prices in the U.S. are rising significantly, as analysts predict that the national average could reach 4 USD if oil remains above 100 USD
The market shows extreme contango, with short-term delivery prices higher than those of future months, indicating a severe supply shortage
The tightness of the WTI-Brent spread in a contango market signals an extreme short-term shortage that traders must monitor
Main driving factors
The conflict between Iran, the U.S., and Israel is becoming a regional crisis with attacks against the UAE and Saudi Arabia, threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz
The disruption of the Strait of Hormuz directly affects 20% of the world's oil supply, with Asia, including India and China, being the region most exposed to acute risks
JPMorgan estimates that regional production cuts could exceed 4 million barrels per day, as storage facilities reach their maximum capacity
Trading strategy
The psychological level of 100 USD now acts as crucial support; a break could retest 93 USD, while resistance is at 105 USD
Key targets extend to 123 USD and 130 USD if 120 USD is surpassed, although a bearish Engulfing pattern suggests a potential shift in sentiment
Consider a strategy of buying WTI and selling Brent, while closely monitoring the support at 100 USD for potential moves towards 150 USD
Risk warning
The geopolitical shock generates stagflation concerns, where rising inflation combined with slower growth could delay central banks' rate cuts
G7 nations could coordinate the release of strategic oil reserves to alleviate physical shortages, which could potentially trigger sharp price pullbacks
High volatility demands caution, as extreme price changes, from 114 USD to 100 USD, demonstrate rapid reversals; use stop-loss orders adjusted below 95 USD$BTC
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