Japan will begin releasing oil from state reserves on March 26, 2026, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said, following a similar move last week, aiming to ensure adequate nationwide petroleum supply and stabilize energy availability.
At least 150 tankers, including crude and LNG vessels, dropped anchor in open Gulf waters beyond the Strait of Hormuz and dozens more were stationary on the other side of the chokepoint, shipping data showed, after US and Israeli strikes on Iran plunged the region into turmoil.
Global oil prices surged on Monday as escalating hostilities in the Middle East rattled energy markets, raising fears of a prolonged supply disruption from one of the world’s most critical oil-producing regions.
Escalating tensions in the Middle East have sent shockwaves through global markets, pushing oil and gold sharply higher and raising questions on near-term outlook for regional equities, said a financial expert. Brent crude surged by 13% to $82 a barrel driven by fears of disruption in Strait of Hormuz.
OQ Exploration and Production (OQEP) reported 2025 revenue of $1.2 billion and EBITDA of $941 million (81% margin). Operating cash flow strengthened, and the company targets 300 kboepd production by 2030 while maintaining disciplined leverage and shareholder returns.
Benchmark Brent oil prices jumped above $119 a barrel on Thursday after Iran attacked energy facilities across the Middle East following Israel's strike on its South Pars gas field, a major escalation in the war. Meanwhile, Middle East benchmark Dubai and Oman premiums hit all-time highs at about $65 per barrel, according to trade sources and Reuters data.
The International Energy Agency's (IEA) member countries could release more oil into the market from strategic stockpiles "as and if needed" after they agreed the largest-ever reserves release last week to offset shortages and a spike in prices, its executive director said.
Oil prices rebounded on Tuesday, recovering part of the previous session’s losses as renewed supply concerns around the Strait of Hormuz lifted sentiment in global energy markets.
Oil prices rose on Monday as investors weighed renewed geopolitical risk despite US President Donald Trump urging other countries to join efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran said the strategic waterway remained open only to countries that are not directly involved in attacks against it.
The United States has temporarily eased sanctions on Russian oil by allowing countries to purchase cargoes already stranded at sea, as Washington seeks to contain a fresh surge in crude prices triggered by Middle East supply disruptions and fears over restricted energy flows through the Gulf.
