Global Oil Markets Shaken By Hormuz Crisis

In a few hours, the price of oil has crossed the 100 dollar mark again after the announcement of a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Washington. This nerve center of global energy trade becomes again a major pressure lever in the confrontation between the United States and Iran. Behind this surge, an immediate risk: to see geopolitical tension turn into a global economic shock, with direct repercussions on inflation and financial markets.

A strategic blockade that makes oil prices explode

Donald Trump confirmed the implementation of a military blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, targeting all maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports. Scheduled to come into effect on April 13 at 3 PM UTC, this measure follows the failure of negotiations with Iran.

Asked about the economic consequences, the American president stated : “I hope so. Well, I think yes… it’s possible, it could be the case, or remain at the same level, maybe a little higher, but it should overall remain similar”.

The markets immediately reacted to this announcement, reflecting a shock of anticipation on the world supply :

• WTI oil exceeded 104 dollars ;
• Brent crossed 102 dollars ;
• Prices jumped about 10 % at the opening.

This sharp move reflects the extreme sensitivity of the oil market to any threat weighing on the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic passage for a significant share of global crude flows.

A rise in pump prices and cascading economic tensions

The impact is already being felt by consumers. In the United States, the average price of gasoline reaches $4.08 per gallon according to GasBuddy, with projections strongly rising. From Iran, Parliament President Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf mocked the situation by saying: “enjoy the current pump prices”, before adding: “with this so-called blockade, you will soon be nostalgic for gasoline at 4 or 5 dollars”. These statements illustrate the political and psychological dimension of this energy crisis.

Such a surge occurs in an already tense inflationary context. Thus, according to on-chain data, the consumer price index rose by 0.9 % in March, bringing annual inflation to 3.3 %. Thus, a sustained rise in energy prices could amplify this dynamic, complicating the US economic trajectory. With upcoming electoral deadlines, the issue of purchasing power and energy costs is becoming a central concern.

The situation opens a period of major uncertainty for global markets. Between geopolitical tensions, persistent inflation and commodity volatility, investors now monitor potential repercussions across all asset classes, including cryptos, often seen as alternatives in systemic crisis periods.