Why are oil and gas prices up today, and will Brent, US WTI crude futures, British and Dutch gas rates rise sharply or fall again? Full market explanation after Trump rejects Iran response
Global Desk May 12, 2026 12:38 AM
Synopsis

Why are oil and gas prices up today, and will Brent, US WTI crude futures, British and Dutch gas rates rise sharply or fall again? Oil and gas markets moved higher after the US rejected Iran’s reply to a peace proposal. Supply fears linked to the Strait of Hormuz pushed Brent, WTI, and European gas prices higher. Analysts say volatility may continue as geopolitics, tanker movements, and demand outlook shape global energy trends in the coming months.

Why are oil and gas prices up today, and will Brent, US WTI crude futures, British and Dutch gas rates rise sharply or fall again? Oil tankers moving near the Strait of Hormuz during supply disruptions.
Why are oil and gas prices up today, and will Brent, US WTI crude futures, British and Dutch gas rates rise sharply or fall again? Energy markets moved higher after the United States rejected Iran’s response to a peace proposal. The Strait of Hormuz remains partly closed, which raised fears about global supply. Oil prices jumped by about 3 percent, while European gas contracts also increased. Tanker movements, diplomatic talks, and supply losses are now shaping market sentiment. Analysts expect volatility to continue as leaders prepare for new talks and shipping flows remain uncertain. Investors are watching supply risks, demand outlook, and geopolitical developments for the next direction.

Why are oil and gas prices up today, and will Brent, US WTI crude futures, British and Dutch gas rates rise sharply or fall again?

Oil and gas prices moved higher after the United States rejected Iran’s response to a peace proposal. The Strait of Hormuz remains partly closed, and this route is vital for global oil and gas shipping. Traders fear supply shortages, so Brent and US WTI crude futures gained about 3 percent during the session. The market reacted quickly because even small disruptions in this region affect global supply expectations.

Shipping risks continue to influence prices. Several oil and LNG tankers moved through the Strait with tracking systems turned off to avoid attacks. This shows that transport is still possible but risky. When shipping becomes uncertain, traders build risk premiums into prices. This is one of the main reasons energy prices moved higher again after last week’s decline.


European gas markets also followed the same trend. Dutch and British gas contracts rose after the latest diplomatic setback. The increase was moderate, but analysts say there is still upside risk if tensions continue. At the same time, new LNG deliveries to Pakistan suggest some supply flows are resuming, which may limit strong price spikes in the future.

Analysts expect prices to remain volatile in the near term. Some banks predict oil may stay around the low $100 range for the rest of the year. Prices could fall if talks progress and shipping resumes normally. However, if tensions continue or supply remains tight, Brent, WTI, and European gas prices may stay elevated for longer.

Oil markets jump after fresh geopolitical tension

Oil prices rose sharply after the United States rejected Iran’s response to a peace proposal. Supply fears increased because the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed. This route is one of the most important oil shipping lanes in the world. Brent crude futures rose by about $3 to $104.32 per barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude rose to $98.40 per barrel. Earlier in the session, Brent reached $105.99 and WTI reached $100.37.

Last week both contracts had fallen about 6 percent. Markets had expected a quick end to the conflict that would reopen oil transit. That expectation changed after new political statements. Analysts said the United States and Iran remain far from an agreement. Talks are ongoing, but the timeline for a resolution is unclear. Markets now expect supply risks to continue for some time. The United States President is expected to visit China soon. Iran discussions are likely to be part of meetings with China’s leadership. Markets see this as a possible step toward future negotiations.

Saudi Aramco’s chief executive said the world has lost around one billion barrels of oil over the past two months. Even if flows restart, energy markets may need time to stabilize. Saudi crude exports to China may decline further in June. Buyers reduced orders due to higher prices and lower supply.

Why are oil and gas prices up today?

Shipping disruptions remain a major factor. Several tankers passed through the Strait of Hormuz with tracking systems switched off to avoid attacks. One tanker carried Iraqi crude to Vietnam. A second tanker carrying liquefied natural gas from Qatar is moving toward Pakistan. It is expected to arrive soon. Japan also confirmed a tanker carrying Azerbaijani crude will arrive this week. This is the first cargo from Central Asia since the conflict began. These movements show that shipping continues but under risk. This risk is keeping prices elevated.

JPMorgan analysts expect oil prices to remain near the low $100 range for the rest of the year. They also expect prices to average about $97 in 2026. Analysts believe market normalization will take time even after shipping resumes. US producer Diamondback Energy bought options to hedge against price differences between WTI and Brent. This move suggests producers expect continued price volatility. If the US bans oil exports, domestic inventory could rise and WTI prices could fall relative to Brent.

Will Brent, US WTI crude futures, British and Dutch gas rates rise sharply or fall again?

European gas markets also reacted to the latest developments. Dutch and British gas contracts rose after the peace effort setback. The Dutch front-month gas contract rose to 44.83 euros per megawatt hour. The British June contract increased to 109.73 pence per therm. Analysts described the rise as modest but said upside risks remain. The lack of progress in peace talks keeps supply risks in focus. Optimism for a quick agreement is fading. However, markets still see hope in upcoming diplomatic talks between the United States and China.

The first Qatari LNG tanker since the conflict began sailed through the Strait of Hormuz to Pakistan. Pakistan is acting as a mediator and may receive more deliveries. This could help ease gas shortages in the region. Another LNG tanker also signaled Pakistan as its destination. Analysts said this development could be positive for supply and may limit further price increases. European carbon prices moved lower at the same time. This indicates mixed signals across energy markets.

Analysts insights and market outlook

Analysts say energy markets remain sensitive to geopolitics. The Strait of Hormuz is central to global oil and gas supply. Any disruption affects prices worldwide. Supply losses of one billion barrels have already impacted the market. Even if shipping resumes fully, rebuilding supply chains will take time.

Banks expect oil to stay elevated but not surge dramatically. Prices near $100 per barrel may continue for months. Gas markets may remain volatile depending on LNG shipping and storage levels. Diplomatic talks between global leaders could shape the next phase of the market. Any sign of progress could push prices lower. Continued conflict could push prices higher.

What should investors do now?

Investors are watching geopolitical news closely. Oil and gas prices are moving based on supply risks and diplomatic signals. Hedging strategies are becoming more common. Companies are protecting against price swings using options and futures contracts. Analysts advise monitoring shipping data, diplomatic meetings, and inventory trends. These factors will likely drive short-term price movements. Volatility may remain high until the Strait of Hormuz fully reopens and supply stabilizes.

FAQs


Q1. Why are oil and gas prices rising now?
Oil and gas prices are rising due to supply fears linked to the Strait of Hormuz disruption, rejected peace talks, tanker risks, and continued uncertainty about when global energy shipping will normalize.

Q2. Could oil and gas prices fall again soon?
Prices could fall if diplomatic talks progress, shipping resumes safely, and supply returns. However, analysts say volatility may continue because global energy markets still face supply risks and uncertainty.
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