Oil Price Today (May 8): Crude oil snaps three-day losing streak as Iran-US clashes stoke Hormuz fears. What are experts saying?

Synopsis

Oil prices surged over 1% as renewed U.S.-Iran clashes raised concerns about the Strait of Hormuz's stability, disrupting hopes for its reopening. Iran accused the U.S. of breaching a ceasefire, while Washington cited retaliation for Iranian forces firing on its vessels. Despite recent losses, the conflict's escalation could significantly impact global oil flows.

Oil prices climbed more than 1%, snapping a three-day losing streak on Friday, after fresh clashes between the U.S. and Iran raised concerns over the stability of the fragile ceasefire and weakened hopes of progress toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil and gas shipments.

The latest rise followed Iran’s accusation that the U.S. breached the month-long ceasefire. Washington, meanwhile, said its actions were retaliatory after Iranian forces fired on U.S. naval vessels passing through the strait on Thursday.

Oil price on May 8

Brent crude futures rose $1.41, or 1.41%, to $101.47 a barrel by 0123 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained $1.12, or 1.18%, to $95.93 a barrel. Prices had initially surged more than 3% at the open.

The rebound came after three straight sessions of losses driven by reports earlier this week that Washington and Tehran were nearing an agreement to halt hostilities and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The proposed deal, however, was expected to leave broader disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme unresolved. Despite Friday’s gains, both crude benchmarks are still on track to end the week around 6% lower.

Iran’s military claimed the U.S. targeted an Iranian oil tanker, another vessel, and civilian areas both in the strait and on the mainland.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said U.S. forces had destroyed the Iranian targets involved in the confrontation, including small boats and drones. He also warned Iran of further military action if it failed to reach a nuclear agreement.

The exchange came as the U.S. awaited Tehran’s response to its latest peace proposal, which did not address several key sticking points, including Washington’s demand to reopen the strait. Before the conflict erupted on February 28, the Strait of Hormuz handled roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply, but traffic has remained largely disrupted since fighting involving Iran, the U.S., and Israel intensified.

Analysts said the market remains on edge. Haitong Futures noted that the ceasefire may only be temporary, adding that stalled negotiations between the U.S. and Iran could spark renewed escalation and drive oil prices even higher.

Nuvama Institutional Equities said a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could disrupt nearly 20 million barrels per day of crude flows. Under such a scenario, oil prices could potentially surge to between $110 and $150 per barrel.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

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