-- Oil prices were higher early Monday in volatile trade after Iran claimed it struck a U.S. warship moving into the Strait of Hormuz with two missiles, a claim denied by U.S. Central Command, according to reports. If such a hit did happen, it would potentially bringing an end to a ceasefire between the two countries.
West Texas Intermediate crude oil for June delivery was last seen up $1.38 to US$103.32 per barrel, after touching US$107.46 in Asian trade, while July Brent oil was up $2.64 to US$110.81.
Iran's Fars News Agency reported Iranian forces struck the U.S. ship to prevent it from moving into the Strait, which Iran blocked at the Feb. 28 start of the war, cutting off 20% of the world's oil demand supplied by Persian Gulf nations. However, The Guardian reported U.S. Central Command dismissed the report, while continuing the blockade of Iranian ports.
U.S. President Trump in a weekend social media post said the U.S. would begin escorting ships trapped in the Gulf through the Strait, but offered no details on the scheme. The Wall Street Journal reported Trump "intends to use countries, insurance companies and shipping organizations to move traffic through the strait. It doesn't currently involve U.S. Navy warships escorting vessels through the waterway", citing two U.S. officials. The uncertain details of the plan has done little to lower prices, which have climbed by about half since the conflict began.
"The market remains fragile because the plan's implementation is uncertain, and Kuwait's oil exports reportedly falling to zero underlines how severe the regional supply disruption has become," Saxo Bank wrote.