Oil prices have climbed above $100 per barrel for the first time in nearly four years, as tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt global energy markets.
The sharp increase comes amid growing concerns that the escalating conflict involving Iran could affect oil supply routes and production across the region.
When markets opened late Sunday, the two major global oil benchmarks — Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) — both surged by more than 15 percent. The spike pushed prices to levels not seen since the early months of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Trump Calls Oil Price Surge a “Small Price”
Despite the market reaction, U.S. President Donald Trump defended the military action against Iran, describing the rise in oil prices as a temporary consequence of addressing what he called a major security threat.
Writing on social media, Trump said the short-term increase in oil costs was acceptable if it meant eliminating Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
“Short term oil prices, which will drop rapidly when the destruction of the Iran nuclear threat is over, is a very small price to pay for U.S.A. and world safety and peace,” Trump said.
He also insisted that the increase in oil prices would eventually reverse once the conflict stabilizes.
Strait of Hormuz Disruptions Raise Concerns
One of the main factors pushing oil prices higher is the disruption of maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.
About 20 percent of the world’s oil and natural gas supply normally passes through the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to international markets.
Since the conflict intensified on February 28, shipping traffic through the strait has slowed significantly, with several tanker operators reportedly suspending operations due to security concerns.
At the same time, some oil and gas producers in the Gulf region have begun reducing output, adding further pressure to global energy markets.
Military strikes in Tehran targeting fuel storage facilities have also heightened fears that energy infrastructure across the region could become a target of retaliation.
Impact on Fuel Prices
The surge in crude prices has already begun affecting fuel costs in several countries, including the United States.
Higher oil prices often translate directly into increased gasoline prices at the pump — an issue that could become politically sensitive as the United States approaches midterm elections later this year.
Officials Downplay Long-Term Supply Concerns
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright suggested that disruptions to global oil supply are unlikely to last long.
In interviews with major news networks, Wright said the worst-case scenario could involve only a few weeks of disruption rather than a prolonged crisis.
“Worst case, that’s a few weeks. That’s not months,” he said.
He also argued that global oil supply remains strong, particularly in the Western Hemisphere.
“There’s no energy shortage across the Western Hemisphere,” he added, noting that the global energy market still has significant supply capacity.
Efforts to Protect Shipping Routes
The U.S. government is reportedly in discussions with shipping companies about ways to safely resume tanker traffic through the Gulf region.
According to Wright, some of the earliest shipments leaving the area could involve direct protection from the U.S. military to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Officials expect maritime activity in the region to gradually return to normal once security conditions improve.
Iran’s Role in Global Oil Supply
Iran produces roughly four percent of the world’s oil supply, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Although the country’s energy sector is affected by international sanctions, some Iranian oil continues to reach global markets, particularly through exports to China.
Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the government is reviewing additional measures to stabilize global energy markets.
Among the options being considered are adjustments to sanctions policies affecting oil exports from other countries.
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation has also announced plans to create a financial protection program worth up to $20 billion to cover risks faced by ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz.
As the conflict continues to unfold, global markets remain highly sensitive to developments that could affect energy supply and regional stability.