The prices of oil nosedived on Tuesday as investors moved away from the commodity, reacting to ongoing developments in the Middle East. The International Energy Agency held an emergency meeting to discuss a possible release of stockpiles from its member states. Also, the finance and energy ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) are expected to discuss the same issue today. Additionally, comments from US President Donald Trump suggested the ongoing conflict in the region could be de-escalating sooner than expected.
Wright: US escorted oil tanker through Strait of Hormuz
United States Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Tuesday that the US Navy successfully escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz, following US President Donald Trump’s promise that Washington will offer “political risk insurance” to oil tankers passing through the critical waterway amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
“We are having restrictions on the flow of energy through the Strait of Hormuz right now. We announced that we will step into the insurance market and ensure tankers to go through. A large oil tanker went through about 36 hours ago. I think you will see more of those coming,” Wright said.
The US president previously warned Iran that any move to block the maritime traffic of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz would trigger a “TWENTY TIMES HARDER” response by Washington.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for April’s settlements nosedived by 15.68% at 1:06 pm ET to sell for $79.91 per barrel. Meanwhile, Brent for May’s deliveries plunged by 15.23% to go for $83.89 per barrel.