Crude oil prices experienced their first decline in six trading sessions as the United States weighs potential intervention in futures markets to control escalating energy costs and has authorized waivers permitting Indian refiners to purchase Russian crude oil.
Brent crude futures dropped $1.14, representing a 1.33% decrease to $84.27 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate fell $1.46, or 1.8%, reaching $79.55 as of early Friday morning GMT.
These government actions come in response to dramatic price increases following the military conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran that began February 28. The conflict has blocked tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that typically handles approximately 20% of global daily oil transport, while also forcing the closure of refineries, oil production facilities, and natural gas plants throughout the strategically important Middle Eastern energy region.
Since the conflict began, oil prices have surged dramatically over four consecutive trading days, with Brent crude climbing 18% and WTI gaining 21%.
A high-ranking White House official announced Thursday that the Treasury Department plans to reveal measures aimed at combating elevated energy prices resulting from the Iranian conflict, including possible intervention in oil futures markets, though specific details were not disclosed.
Such action would represent an uncommon strategy by Washington to affect energy costs through financial market mechanisms rather than manipulating actual oil supply volumes.
To address physical supply shortages that have forced refineries, particularly in Asian markets, to reduce fuel processing operations, the Treasury has approved exemptions allowing companies to purchase sanctioned Russian oil currently held on tankers.
Indian refiners received the initial waivers and have responded by purchasing millions of barrels of immediate-delivery Russian crude shipments, according to industry sources, marking a reversal of months of pressure to cease such transactions.
Market experts warned that current price increases remain relatively moderate when compared to previous oil shocks, especially the period following Russia’s comprehensive invasion of Ukraine in 2022, when barrel prices exceeded $100.
“While panic around surging oil prices appears to be spreading beyond market circles, it’s important to put this move into perspective: despite crude’s almost 20% surge this month, the price is currently just $3.40 above its average over the last four years,” IG analyst Tony Sycomore wrote in a note.
