#oil-infrastructure-threats

#oil-infrastructure-threats

Roughly 20 million barrels per day of oil moved through Hormuz in 2024, equivalent to about one-fifth of global petroleum liquids consumption. When that waterway closed, oil prices spiked to $126 per barrel in what the U.S. Energy Information Administration has described as the largest supply disruption in global oil market history.

The first warning of such a crypto scam came from the Greek maritime risk management company MARISKS on April 20, according to Reuters. The company alerted shipowners that scammers posing as Iranian authorities had sent messages to shipping companies asking for 'transit fee' payments in bitcoin or tether.

China's stockpiling surged in 2025 due to relatively low oil prices tied to softer demand, rising geopolitical risks, and a new domestic energy law requiring more reserves.

The IEA sees global oil demand falling by 80,000 barrels per day this year, compared with a projected year-on-year rise of 640,000 bpd in its previous monthly report.

The US Treasury Department on Friday said that it was targeting Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery, China's second-largest teapot or independent refinery, for buying hundreds of millions of dollars worth of Iranian oil.

President Trump ordered the U.S. Navy on Truth Social to 'shoot and kill' any Iranian boats laying mines with 'no hesitation.' This directive comes amid concerns over new mines in the Strait of Hormuz, which could deepen the largest oil supply disruption in history.

"As we have made clear, we will pursue global maritime enforcement efforts to disrupt illicit networks and interdict sanctioned vessels providing material support to Iran - anywhere they operate. International waters are not a refuge for sanctioned vessels."

Crude oil extended its rally for a third consecutive session today, supported by rising geopolitical tensions, severe winter weather disrupting US output, and a surprise draw in US crude inventories. Together, these factors kept the market focused on immediate supply risks and sustained the rebound. Markets reacted to renewed geopolitical risk sin the Middle East. President Trump has renewed pressure on Iran, while a US naval group's arrival in the region has fuelled disruption fears.