What's Fueling Oil Prices? Geopolitics, Not Growth
EDMONTON, CANADA, MAY 24: Close-up of a replica oil with words 'oil Country' well painted in ... More Edmonton Oilers colors, displayed outdoors in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on May 24, 2025. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Oil prices are climbing once more. Although fundamentals such as supply and demand continue to be significant, the latest spike is largely unrelated to seasonal trends or economic expansion. Rather, it is geopolitical factors—specifically, escalating tensions in the Middle East—that are unsettling markets and pushing prices higher.
Israel's recent military strikes against Iran, aimed at critical nuclear sites, have shaken the global energy landscape. This escalation has created shockwaves in the oil markets, with Brent crude experiencing a surge of up to 13%, hitting $78.50 per barrel before plateauing around $75. In a similar fashion, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude jumped over 9%, reaching a peak of $77.62 and concluding near $74. This represents the largest single-day price increase in oil since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The offensive was initiated shortly before expected U.S.–Iran nuclear negotiations and was justified by Israel as a crucial measure to prevent Iran from nearing nuclear weapon capabilities.
Central to the current instability is the Strait of Hormuz, a slender waterway linking the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea. While it measures only 21 miles at its narrowest point, its strategic significance is immense: approximately one-third of the world's seaborne oil transits through this crucial channel each day. Presently, this essential route is under increased observation. Although Israeli attacks have upheld Iran's oil infrastructure for the moment, the threat of retaliation looms large. Iran has persistently warned it might close the Strait—a move that would instantly disrupt global energy supplies. The mere potential for such disruption is sufficient to elevate prices as traders prepare for volatility.
OPEC+ Output Rises: On May 31, 2025, OPEC+ revealed its third consecutive monthly production increase, adding 411,000 barrels per day (bpd) in July. This action, motivated by Saudi Arabia's ambition for market share, occurs amid internal tensions, particularly with Russia, and follows the reinstatement of 1.37 million bpd of a planned 2.2 million bpd increase by the end of 2026. While indicating a strategic change, the group emphasized that future increases are contingent upon market conditions, with the next policy decision scheduled for July 6.
A Market in Surplus: As of May, the global oil market already exhibits a surplus of approximately 0.5 million bpd. In the meantime, non-OPEC producers like the U.S. and Brazil are continuing to elevate their output, contributing to a more substantial global supply situation than was previously expected. This increasing surplus coincides with the OECD's recent downgrade of its global GDP growth forecast for 2025, from 3.1% to 2.9%—indicating softer demand on the horizon. Although summer travel and a slight resurgence in emerging markets are currently sustaining demand, any additional economic downturn could tip the scales.
Demand Uncertainty: Optimism regarding a rebound in China's oil demand is tempered by escalating trade tensions and tariffs, which may hinder global growth. Slower economic activity could suppress demand, while disrupted supply chains may also limit output, creating a complex, conflicting impact on oil prices that defies straightforward forecasting.
The confluence of increasing supply, uncertain demand, and macroeconomic challenges places the oil market in a delicate state. On one side, prices could soar towards $80 per barrel if tensions in the Middle East intensify and supply risks materialize, particularly if the Strait of Hormuz comes under threat. Conversely, OPEC+ production increases and economic softness could restrain price gains and revive oversupply worries as autumn approaches.
The recent increase in oil prices is not merely an economic occurrence—it reflects escalating global anxiety. As long as the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of geopolitical tension, markets will remain on edge. Investors, consumers, and policymakers should brace for ongoing price fluctuations, driven more by geopolitical factors than by supply. If history serves as a lesson, geopolitical risk premiums can dissipate rapidly—but they can also increase sharply.
As oil prices escalate, upstream oil companies such as Halliburton (NYSE: HAL) and SLB (NYSE: SLB) typically tend to benefit in such conditions. For investors seeking growth with reduced volatility, the Trefis High Quality Portfolio has outperformed the S&P 500 with 91% returns since its inception, offering a steadier experience amid turbulence.
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