United States Oil Fund

Sector Update: Energy Stocks Lean Lower Premarket Friday

Energy stocks were leaning lower premarket Friday, with the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) declining by 0.3%.The United States Oil Fund (USO) was down 2.1% and the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) was 1.1% higher.Front-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil was 1.3% lower at $103.71 per barrel at the New York Mercantile Exchange. Global benchmark North Sea Brent crude oil rose 0.3% to $110.77 per barrel, and natural gas futures were up 0.4% at $2.56 per 1 million British Thermal Units.Exxon Mobil (XOM) shares were down 0.7% after the company reported a decline in Q1 adjusted earnings.Chevron (CVX) stock was 0.8% lower after the company posted a decline in Q1 adjusted earnings, while revenue missed analysts' estimates.Imperial Oil (IMO) shares were down more than 2% after the company reported lower Q1 net income and revenue.

Oil Mostly Steady As the U.S. and Iran Remain Deadlocked

Oil prices were little changed early Friday as the United States and Iran remain deadlocked, leaving the Strait of Hormuz closed and causing the largest even supply shock that is likely to be compounded by the coming start to the high-demand summer driving season.West Texas Intermediate crude oil for June delivery was last seen down $0.80 to US$104.27 per barrel, while July Brent oil was up $0.57 to US$110.97.Oil remains in short supply following the closure of the Strait, the chokepoint for exports from the Persian Gulf nations that accounted for 20% of daily demand. The U.S.-Israel war on Iran is now in its third month and neither side is talking to the other. The Guardian reported Pakistan is acting as a back channel to pass messages between the combatants, but little progress has appeared to be made after scheduled negotiations collapsed last weekend.The lack of supply has pushed up crude oil prices by about half since the Feb.28 start of the war amid shortages of crude oil and refined products, with Nymex gasoline futures up 81% since the war began while supplies of aviation are tightening.The supply crunch comes ahead of the May 23 start to the Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the summer driving season, when demand for fuel peaks, which is likely to push prices even higher."With summer demand season quickly approaching, we see a path for oil prices to exceed the 2022 and even 2008 highs, especially as sentiment may finally be shifting on the duration of the Hormuz blockage," Helima Croft, Head of Global Commodity Strategy and MENA Research at RBC Capital Markets, wrote.

Brent Crude Up Near 0.9% at Near US$111.40 and NY Crude Up Near 0.4% at About US$105.50

Crude Oil Prices Stay Elevated as U.S., Iran Remain at an Impasse

Crude oil prices remain elevated as there is no end in sight for the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, with the Strait of Hormuz still effectively closed due to the conflict.Brent crude at last look gained 1.5% to US$112.06/barrel and West Texas Intermediate crude rose 0.8% to $105.93/barrel. An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said it was not realistic to expect quick results from U.S. talks, Reuters said in a Friday report, citing the official IRNA news agency.A senior official of Iran's Revolutionary Guards had threatened "long and painful strikes" on U.S. positions if Washington renewed attacks on Iran, the report said.U.S. President Donald Trump is set to receive a briefing on plans for renewed military strikes on Iran to compel it to negotiate an end to the war, Reuters reported, citing a U.S. official.

Market Chatter: Trump Administration Authorizes New pipeline From Canada to U.S.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an order authorizing the Bridger Pipeline's proposed project to transport Canadian crude from the U.S.-Canada border to Wyoming, CTV News reported.Bridger Pipeline's project would have the capacity to move more than 1 million barrels of oil per day, according to the company. If built and connected, analysts told Reuters it could increase Canada's crude exports to the U.S. by more than 12%.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally, and/or from other media sources. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Update: WTI Closes Lower, Off Overnight Highs Despite Little Sign of Progress to End the Iran War

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil closed lower on Thursday, falling off four-year highs touched overnight during Asian trade on a report the U.S. may end the ceasefire with Iran as the largest-ever supply shock hits hardest for the continent that relies on Persian Gulf supplies now trapped behind the closed Strait of Hormuz.WTI crude oil for June delivery closed down US$1.81 to settle at US$105.07 per barrel after touching US$110.93 overnight, while June Brent oil was last seen down US$4.12 to US$113.91, after it reached US$126.34 overnight, the highest since 2022.WTI has now climbed 59% since the war began on Feb. 28, when Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for roughly 20% of global oil supply, following attacks by the United States and Israel. The United States is now blockading Iranian ports and Iran has demanded that they should be lifted before peace talks can resume, which the U.S. is refusing to do, continuing the largest-ever supply shock.The shortage is hitting hardest in Asia, which buys 80% of Persian Gulf exports, with countries bidding up spot prices and increasingly looking to tap China's strategic stockpiles to avoid shortages."There continue to be reports of fuel shortages in rural communities in several (Asian) countries whilst fuel distribution appears to be a bit of hap hazard. We continue to see more and more essentially government to government deals with China allowing some exports to friendly countries and Thailand considering providing more support to neighboring countries," Vikas Dwivedi, Global Energy Strategist at Macquarie Group, wrote.Still, there is little sign of any negotiations to end the war and reopen the blocked Strait. Talks scheduled between the United States and Iran expected to be held last weekend in Pakistan failed to take place after the U.S. refused an Iranian demand to lift a blockade of Iranian ports. The Wall Street Journal reported U.S. President Trump is asking other countries to join a coalition to reopen the Strait in what the American government is calling the "Maritime Freedom Construct" as it looks for its embassies to press allies to join, while Trump warned of an extended blockade of the Strait until Iran agreed to end its nuclear program.

June WTI Crude Oil Contract Closes Down US$1.81; Settles at US$105.07 per Barrel

Sector Update: Energy Stocks Decline Premarket Thursday

Energy stocks were declining premarket Thursday, with the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) 1.2% lower.The United States Oil Fund (USO) was down 3.4% and the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) was 0.6% lower.Front-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil was 1.5% lower at $105.33 per barrel at the New York Mercantile Exchange. Global benchmark North Sea Brent crude oil fell 3.3% to $114.13 per barrel, and natural gas futures were up 0.6% at $2.66 per 1 million British Thermal Units.ConocoPhillips (COP) shares were down more than 2% after the company posted lower Q1 adjusted earnings and revenue.TotalEnergies (TTE) and partner Nextnorth have reached financial close and broke ground on a 440 MWp solar power plant in Ilagan, the Philippines, the companies said. TotalEnergies stock was down more than 1% premarket.TechnipFMC (FTI) shares were down more than 3% after the company reported Q1 revenue that missed analysts' expectations.

Oil Price Ease, Falling Off Overnight Highs Despite Little Sign of Progress to End the Iran War

Oil prices eased early on Thursday, falling off four-year highs touched overnight during Asian trade on a report the U.S. may end the ceasefire with Iran as the largest-ever supply shock hits hardest for the continent that relies on Persian Gulf supplies now trapped behind the closed Strait of Hormuz.West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil for June delivery was last seen down US$2.44 to US$104.44 per barrel after touching US$110.93 overnight, while June Brent oil was down US$4.01 to US$114.02 after it reached US$126.34 overnight, the highest since 2022.WTI has now climbed 59% since the war began on Feb. 28, when Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for roughly 20% of global oil supply, following attacks by the United States and Israel. The United States is now blockading Iranian ports and Iran has demanded that they should be lifted before peace talks can resume, which the U.S. is refusing to do, continuing the largest-ever supply shock.The shortage is hitting hardest in Asia, which buys 80% of Persian Gulf exports, with countries bidding up spot prices and increasingly looking to tap China's strategic stockpiles to avoid shortages."There continue to be reports of fuel shortages in rural communities in several (Asian) countries whilst fuel distribution appears to be a bit of hap hazard. We continue to see more and more essentially government to government deals with China allowing some exports to friendly countries and Thailand considering providing more support to neighboring countries," Vikas Dwivedi, Global Energy Strategist at Macquarie Group, wrote.Still, there is little sign of any negotiations to end the war and reopen the blocked Strait. Talks scheduled between the United States and Iran expected to be held last weekend in Pakistan failed to take place after the U.S. refused an Iranian demand to lift a blockade of Iranian ports. The Wall Street Journal reported U.S. President Trump is asking other countries to join a coalition to reopen the Strait in what the American government is calling the "Maritime Freedom Construct" as it looks for its embassies to press allies to join, while Trump warned of an extended blockade of the Strait until Iran agreed to end its nuclear program.

Exchange-Traded Funds, Equity Futures Higher Pre-Bell Thursday Amid Big Tech Earnings, Economic Data

The broad market exchange-traded fund SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) was up 0.4% and the actively traded Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) advanced 0.5% in Thursday's premarket activity, amid optimistic big tech earnings reports and a deluge of economic data.US stock futures were also higher, with S&P 500 Index futures up 0.4%, Dow Jones Industrial Average futures advancing 0.6%, and Nasdaq futures gaining 0.5% before the start of regular trading.Reports releasing at 8:30 am ET include the Q1 gross domestic product (GDP) from Washington, the personal consumption expenditures (PCE)-core inflation report for March, the weekly jobless claims bulletin, and the Q1 Employment Cost Index.The April Chicago PMI posts at 9:45 am, followed by the February leading indicators report at 10 am, and the weekly natural gas stocks at 10:30 am ET.In premarket action, bitcoin was down by 0.7%. Among cryptocurrency ETFs, the cryptocurrency fund ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) was 0.7% higher, Ether ETF (EETH) advanced 1.4%, and Bitcoin & Ether Market Cap Weight ETF (BETH) was flat.Power Play:FinancialThe State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) retreated by 0.5%. Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS) was down 1.5%, while its bearish counterpart, Direxion Daily Financial Bear 3X Shares (FAZ), was up 1.9%.Willis Towers Watson (WTW) shares were down more than 9% pre-bell after the company reported higher Q1 adjusted earnings and revenue.Winners and Losers:Health CareThe State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) advanced 1.2%, the Vanguard Health Care Index Fund (VHT) was 1.1% higher, while the iShares US Healthcare ETF (IYH) was up 0.7%. The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) gained 0.2%.Eli Lilly (LLY) stock was up more than 7% premarket after the company reported higher Q1 non-GAAP earnings and revenue.TechnologyThe State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) gained by 0.4%, and the iShares US Technology ETF (IYW) was 1% higher, while the iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) was up 1.7%. Among semiconductor ETFs, the State Street SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) rose 2%, while the iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) advanced by 1.3%.Alphabet's (GOOG, GOOGL) shares were up 7% in Thursday's premarket activity after the tech giant reported overnight Q1 earnings and sales above market expectations.IndustrialThe State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLI) advanced 0.5%, while the Vanguard Industrials Index Fund (VIS) was up 1.6% and the iShares US Industrials ETF (IYJ) gained 0.4%.Caterpillar (CAT) stock was up more than 5% before the opening bell after the company reported higher Q1 adjusted profit and revenue.ConsumerThe State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) was down 0.3%, the Vanguard Consumer Staples Index Fund ETF Shares (VDC) was 0.2% lower, and the iShares US Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) retreated 0.1%. The State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) was up 0.6%. The VanEck Retail ETF (RTH) gained 0.03%, while the State Street SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) declined by 0.6%.Unilever (UL) shares were up more than 2% pre-bell after the company said its Q1 underlying sales grew by 3.8%.EnergyThe iShares US Energy ETF (IYE) was down 0.9%, while the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) declined by 1.1%.ConocoPhillips (COP) stock was down more than 2% before the opening bell after the company reported lower Q1 adjusted earnings and revenue.CommoditiesFront-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil fell by 2.3% to $104.44 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Natural gas retreated by 1.4% to $2.61 per 1 million British Thermal Units. The United States Oil Fund (USO) decreased by 2.6%, while the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) was 1.5% lower.Gold futures for May were up by 1.8% to $4,641.80 an ounce on the Comex. Silver futures rose by 2.6% to $73.96 an ounce. SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) was 1.9% higher, and the iShares Silver Trust (SLV) gained by 2.7%.

Brent Crude Down 2.5% at Near US$115 and NY Crude Down 1.5% at Near US$105.20 After Eight Day Streak of Higher Prices

Brent Crude Now Down 1.5% at About US$116.20, Having Touched Above $126 a Barrel Earlier

Crude Oil Prices Surge Amid Concerns About Escalation in U.S.-Iran War

Crude oil prices rose on Thursday, hitting a four-year high, amid concerns that hostilities in the Middle East may start up again and prolong the supply disruptions in the region.Brent crude at last look jumped 2.9% to US$121.48/barrel and West Texas Intermediate crude climbed 1.5% to $108.51/barrel. This comes after Axios, citing unidentified sources, reported that U.S. President Donald Trump is set to receive a briefing on plans for a series of military strikes on Iran to push for a return to negotiations on its nuclear program, Reuters said in a Thursday report.Additionally, Trump spoke with oil companies about how to mitigate the impact of a possible months-long U.S. blockade, Reuters reported, citing a White House official.Continued price hikes risk a renewed spike in global inflation and higher fuel prices, the report said. "For those who do not think Brent prices have the potential to reach $150 a barrel, you ought to look away now," Reuters quoted John Evans of oil broker PVM as saying."Prospects for any near-term resolution to the Iran conflict or a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remain dim," IG market analyst Tony Sycamore was quoted as saying in a note.

Update: WTI Oil Closes Above US$100 With No End to the Iran War in Sight; U.S. Inventories Fall

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil closed higher on Wednesday, rising for a fourth-straight session as hopes for a coming end to the Iran war and a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz fade, while a report showed an larger than expected drop in U.S. oil inventories.WTI crude oil for June delivery closed up US$6.95 to settle at US$106.88 per barrel, the highest since April 7, while June Brent oil was last seen up US$6.74 to US$118.00.WTI has now climbed 59% since the war began on Feb. 28, when Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for roughly 20% of global oil supply, following attacks by the United States and Israel. The United States is now blockading Iranian ports and Iran has demanded that be lifted before peace talks can resume, which the U.S. is refusing to do, continuing the largest-ever supply shock."The near closure of the Strait of Hormuz prolongs a disruption that continues to tighten global energy markets ... Traders now focus on the next steps in peace talks and today's US inventory report for further signs of how quickly US stockpiles are falling amid robust export demand," Saxo Bank wrote.In its weekly survey, the Energy Information Administration reported U.S. commercial oil inventories fell by 6.2-million barrels last week, while the consensus estimate among analysts polled by Reuters forecast a drop of 2.2-million barrels.The oil market is also focusing on the Tuesday decision by the United Arab Emirates to withdraw from the OPEC Cartel. The UAE is OPEC's third-largest producer and the No. 7 global oil exporter. The decision is unlikely to have a near-term effect, given the supply shock, but could add additional supply to the market once the conflict ends."Given the world is currently suffering from a lack of supply due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the UAE's departure doesn't really matter since it is already producing at its maximum capacity. That is the maximum it can export via its pipeline (1.5-1.8 mb/d) to the Gulf of Oman given the closure of the Strait, which is why the UAE's overall output fell to 2.37 mb/d in March (vs. 3.64 mb/d in February). In the longer run, when hopefully the conflict is resolved, it may matter more as the UAE could supply the global oil market with an additional 1.0 mb/d. Moreover, OPEC/OPEC+ is losing one of its most vital members," Art Woo, a senior economist at BMO Capital Markets, wrote.

June WTI Crude Oil Contract Closes Up US$6.95: Settles at US$106.88 per Barrel

U.A.E's OPEC Withdrawal Likely to Begin Lowering Oil Prices by 2027

The decision by the United Arab Emirates to withdraw from the OPEC cartel on May 1 is unlikely to offer any near-term relief from high oil prices this year, but raises over-supply risks and lower prices beginning as soon as 2027, Woods Mackenzie said on Wednesday.The UAE's move to leave OPEC comes amid its long-standing push to boost production as it chafed under OPEC quotas while spending to boost its potential output. The country is OPEC's No.3 oil producer and the world's No.7 exporter. Removing quota restrictions makes it a powerful competitor to the cartel and could begin returning the market to over-supply once a recovery from the Iran war is complete."As the nation with the second-largest liquids capacity in OPEC, the UAE's exit is momentous. However, it's not entirely surprising as political tensions between the UAE and Saudi Arabia have been building over the last few years and have intensified in recent months amid the ongoing conflict in Iran. UAE's departure from OPEC will have minimal impact on market fundamentals in 2026, even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens. Gulf countries, including the UAE, will take months to return to pre-war production volumes. Beyond this year, losing the UAE will compound OPEC's challenge to balance the market and increase the risk of oversupply weakening prices," chief analyst Simon Flowers said in a release.The analytics firm said when the UAE begins competing with OPEC, OPEC+ and other producers for market share next year "challenges OPEC's current policy of unwinding its voluntary cuts. If tensions escalate, competition between the UAE and OPEC for market share could send medium-term oil prices sharply lower".

Sector Update: Energy Stocks Edge Higher Pre-Bell Wednesday

Energy stocks were edging higher pre-bell Wednesday, with the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) advancing by 1.2%.The United States Oil Fund (USO) was up 3.4% and the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) was 2.4% lower.Front-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil was 3.7% higher at $103.58 per barrel at the New York Mercantile Exchange. Global benchmark North Sea Brent crude oil rose 3.6% to $115.29 per barrel, and natural gas futures were down 2.5% at $2.62 per 1 million British Thermal Units.TotalEnergies (TTE) shares were up 1% after the company posted higher Q1 adjusted earnings and revenue.Phillips 66 (PSX) stock was up more than 1% after the company reported that it swung to Q1 adjusted earnings.Delek US (DK) shares were up more than 4% after the company posted a swing to Q1 adjusted earnings as net revenue increased during the period.

Exchange-Traded Funds Higher, Equity Futures Mixed Pre-Bell Wednesday Ahead of Fed Policy Decision

The broad market exchange-traded fund SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) was up 0.02% and the actively traded Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) was 0.3% higher in Wednesday's premarket activity, ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee's policy decision.US stock futures were mixed, with S&P 500 Index futures up 0.01%, Dow Jones Industrial Average futures retreating 0.03%, and Nasdaq futures gaining 0.3% before the start of regular trading.The US Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee will make its latest policy announcement at 2 pm ET, followed by a press conference by Fed Chair Jerome Powell.Mortgage applications declined in the week ending April 24 after a large increase in the previous week, as mortgage rates rose slightly, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association Wednesday.US housing starts rose to an annual pace of 1.502 million in March, topping forecasts of 1.38 million and increasing from 1.356 million previously.In March, US building permits fell to an annual rate of 1.372 million, missing expectations of 1.39 million and declining from 1.538 million in the prior reading.Durable goods orders rose 0.8% in March, beating expectations for a 0.5% increase and marking a rebound from the previous 1.2% drop.Weekly petroleum stocks data are due to be released at 10:30 am ET, followed by the Atlanta Federal Reserve Survey of Business Uncertainty for April at 11 am ET.In premarket activity, bitcoin was up by 1.7%. Among cryptocurrency ETFs, the cryptocurrency fund ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) was 1.8% higher, Ether ETF (EETH) advanced 1.6%, and Bitcoin & Ether Market Cap Weight ETF (BETH) retreated by 0.01%.Power Play:TechnologyThe State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) advanced by 0.7%, and the iShares US Technology ETF (IYW) was 0.5% higher, while the iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) was up 0.8%. Among semiconductor ETFs, the State Street SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) increased by 1.6%, while the iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) rose by 1.8%.United Microelectronics (UMC) shares were up more than 8% in Wednesday's premarket activity after the company reported Q1 earnings and revenue.Winners and Losers:FinancialThe State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) advanced 0.2%. Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS) was up 0.7%, while its bearish counterpart, Direxion Daily Financial Bear 3X Shares (FAZ), was 0.6% lower.UBS Group (UBS) shares were up more than 5% pre-bell after the company reported higher Q1 earnings and revenue.IndustrialThe State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLI) advanced 0.3%, while the Vanguard Industrials Index Fund (VIS) was flat and the iShares US Industrials ETF (IYJ) was down 1.1%.AerCap Holdings (AER) stock was up more than 5% before the opening bell after the company reported higher Q1 revenue.Health CareThe State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) retreated by 0.4%, the Vanguard Health Care Index Fund (VHT) lost 0.3%, while the iShares US Healthcare ETF (IYH) was inactive. The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) was flat.GSK (GSK) stock was down more than 4% premarket even after the company reported higher Q1 core earnings and revenue.ConsumerThe State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) was down 0.1%, and the Vanguard Consumer Staples Index Fund ETF Shares (VDC) retreated by 0.1%. The iShares US Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) advanced 0.5%. The State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) lost 0.4%. The VanEck Retail ETF (RTH) gained 0.1%, while the State Street SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) was 0.2% lower.Yum China (YUMC) shares were up more than 3% pre-bell after the company reported Q1 adjusted earnings and revenue.EnergyThe iShares US Energy ETF (IYE) was up 0.9%, while the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) was up by 1.2%.Phillips 66 (PSX) stock was up more than 1% before the opening bell after the company reported it swung to Q1 adjusted earnings.CommoditiesFront-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil rose by 3.3% to $103.22 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Natural gas retreated by 1.3% to $2.66 per 1 million British Thermal Units. The United States Oil Fund (USO) increased by 3.4%, while the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) was 1.3% lower.Gold futures for May were down by 0.7% at $4,576.40 an ounce on the Comex. Silver futures retreated by 0.9% to $73.05 an ounce. SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) was 0.6% lower, and the iShares Silver Trust (SLV) fell by 0.6%.

Oil Prices Firm Above US$100 With No End to the Iran War in Sight

Oil prices firmed above US$100 per barrel early on Monday, rising for a fourth-straight session as hopes for a coming end to the Iran war and a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz fade, while a report showed an unexpected drop in U.S. oil inventories.West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil for June delivery was last seen up US$3.35 to US$103.28 per barrel, the highest since April 7, while June Brent oil was up US$3.45 to US$114.71.WTI has climbed about 49% since the war began on Feb. 28, when Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for roughly 20% of global oil supply, following attacks by the United States and Israel. The United States is now blockading Iranian ports and Iran has demanded that be lifted before peace talks can resume, which the U.S. is refusing to do, continuing the largest-ever supply shock."The near closure of the Strait of Hormuz prolongs a disruption that continues to tighten global energy markets ... Traders now focus on the next steps in peace talks and today's US inventory report for further signs of how quickly US stockpiles are falling amid robust export demand," Saxo Bank wrote.In its weekly survey, the American Petroleum Institute reported U.S. oil stocks fell by 1.79-million barrels last week, while the consensus estimate expected a rise of 0.3-million barrels, according to Investing.com.The oil market is also focusing on the Tuesday decision by the United Arab Emirates to withdraw from the OPEC Cartel. The UAE is OPEC's third-largest producer and the No. 7 global oil exporter. The decision is likely to have a near-term effect, given the supply shock, but could add additional supply to the market once the conflict ends."Given the world is currently suffering from a lack of supply due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the UAE's departure doesn't really matter since it is already producing at its maximum capacity. That is the maximum it can export via its pipeline (1.5-1.8 mb/d) to the Gulf of Oman given the closure of the Strait, which is why the UAE's overall output fell to 2.37 mb/d in March (vs. 3.64 mb/d in February). In the longer run, when hopefully the conflict is resolved, it may matter more as the UAE could supply the global oil market with an additional 1.0 mb/d. Moreover, OPEC/OPEC+ is losing one of its most vital members," Art Woo, a senior economist at BMO Capital Markets, wrote.

Crude Oil Prices Continue Rising as Strait of Hormuz Remains Blocked, Commerzbank Says

Crude oil prices remain on an upward trajectory as the Strait of Hormuz has not yet been opened despite a halt in hostilities, as the situation has worsened due to the U.S. naval blockade against Iran, Commerzbank said in a Tuesday note.Talks between the U.S. and Iran have also come at a standstill, with a new offer from Iran to open the strait unlikely to be considered acceptable by the U.S., the bank noted. Iran is demanding an end to the blockade and the postponement of talks on the nuclear program.Concerns are also growing about a prolonged supply shortage in the oil market. This is also evident in the widening of time spreads, or the price differences between the various contract maturities along with Brent futures curve, according to Commerzbank.The spread between the nearest-month and the next-month Brent futures contracts is once again just under US$7, while the spread between the nearest-month and the seven-month contract is more than $20. These are the highest price premiums for oil available for immediate delivery in three weeks, the bank said.