Oil

World Bank warns of 16% rise in commodity pricing over Hormuz closure

World Bank forecasts a 24% rise in energy prices in 2026, driven by the Iran conflict and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global markets.

 A participant stands near a logo of the World Bank at the International Monetary Fund - World Bank Annual Meeting 2018 in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, October 12, 2018
A woman walks past a billboard featuring an image of the late Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on a building, amid a ceasefire between US and Iran, in Tehran, Iran, April 27, 2026

Behind Tehran’s calm, Iran faces deepening economic collapse

 A 3D-printed oil pump jack is seen in front of displayed OPEC logo in this illustration picture, April 14, 2020.

UAE exit weakens OPEC+ power over oil market but group to stay together, sources say - analysis

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE National Security Adviser, arrive at Doha International Airport, in Doha, Qatar, September 10, 2025

UAE taking advantage of long-term global energy needs by leaving OPEC - analysis


Iran uses improvised oil storage to avoid damage to oil facilities amid blockade - report

This situation stems from the fact that the Iranian extraction and refining systems can't be shut down, with Kharg Island's infrastructure at risk of failure if the oil flow is cut.

 Iranian flag with stock graph and an oil pump jack miniature model are seen in this illustration taken October 9, 2023.

UAE leaves OPEC and OPEC+ in major blow to global oil producers' group

UAE Energy Minister Suhail Mohamed al-Mazrouei told Reuters the decision was made after a careful look at the regional power's energy strategies.

UAE's Oil Minister OPEC President Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei and OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo address a news conference after an OPEC meeting in Vienna, Austria, June 22, 2018.

Iran war begins to hit China’s economy as costs surge

The war in Iran is weighing on China’s economy, with car sales plunging, toy factories shutting down, and thousands of workers taking to the streets following a surge in plastic and energy prices.

An illustration of cargo containers containing the flags of China and Iran.

Nations to discuss fossil fuel exit as Strait of Hormuz blockade drives up prices

The gathering of ministers and officials in Santa Marta, Colombia, which starts on Tuesday, will focus on practical steps to shift economies away from fossil fuels.

US FORCES patrol the Arabian Sea near M/V Touska on April 20, 2026, after firing upon the Iranian-flagged vessel that the US accused of attempting to violate the US naval blockade of Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz.

Russian superyacht crosses Strait of Hormuz as shipping traffic remains muted

The US Central Command has redirected 37 vessels since a blockade was imposed on Iran on April 13, the military said on April 25.

Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, April 27, 2026.

US imposes sanctions on Chinese 'teapot' refinery for buying Iranian oil

Last year, the US imposed sanctions on teapots Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group, Shandong Shouguang Luqing Petrochemical, and Shandong Shengxing Chemical.

An aerial view shows a petrochemical plant in operation by the Yangtze River in Nanjing, in eastern China's Jiangsu province November 26, 2025.

US will not renew Iranian, Russian oil waivers, Treasury Secretary tells Associated Press

According to the Associated Press, the waivers were originally issued to ease the strain on global energy markets caused by the Russia-Ukraine war and the US-Iran war.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent looks on as he speaks to the media after two days of meetings with a Chinese delegation, in Paris, France March 16, 2026

Iran uses fast boats to seize container ships in Strait of Hormuz, challenging US blockade

Iran's "fast-attack" ships have not been considered much of a threat, according to Trump, but have since been used to seize two container ships near the Strait.

Ships and boats in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, April 22, 2026.

Ships seized by Iran taken to Bandar Abbas as countries check on sailors' wellbeing

The IRGC seized the ships on Wednesday, with both crews reported as safe, as their home countries actively seek their return.

US forces patrol the Arabian Sea near M/V Touska on April 20, 2026, after firing upon the Iranian-flagged vessel that the U.S. accused of attempting to violate the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump's Op. Economic Fury pressure campaign on Iran expands beyond Hormuz blockade - report

Operation Economic Fury began with the blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz before expanding to ships providing support to the Iranian regime in international waters.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine speaks next to a map showing a blockade line on the Strait of Hormuz, during a briefing on the Iran war at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, US, April 16, 2026.