Crude Prices Climb as US Tells Ships to Avoid Iranian Waters

Core Insights - Crude oil and gasoline prices are rising, with gasoline reaching a 2.5-month high, driven by a decline in the dollar index and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East [2][3] Geopolitical Risks - The US has advised ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz due to rising geopolitical risks, which has added a risk premium to crude oil prices [3] - Concerns over the potential failure of US-Iran negotiations regarding uranium enrichment could lead to military action, disrupting oil production and shipping lanes [3] Market Dynamics - The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index rose to a 6-month high, positively impacting energy demand and supporting crude prices [2] - An increase in Venezuelan crude exports, rising from 498,000 bpd in December to 800,000 bpd in January, is contributing to global oil supply and exerting bearish pressure on prices [4] Ongoing Conflicts - The unresolved territorial issues in the Russia-Ukraine conflict are likely to prolong restrictions on Russian crude, which supports higher oil prices [5]