Amidst escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, the global oil markets find itself in a precarious position, with traders and investors anxiously watching for potential ramifications on prices and supply dynamics.

The latest developments have cast a shadow of uncertainty over the already volatile energy sector, prompting a flurry of activity and speculation among industry players.

Last week marked a downturn for oil as Brent crude experienced its first back-to-back weekly decline of the year, slipping below $87 a barrel. This decline, coupled with the largest drop since early February, reflects the unease permeating through the market as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East reach a fever pitch.

The catalyst for this downturn stems from a series of events that unfolded in the region.

Iran’s unprecedented drone and missile strike on Israel sent shockwaves through the international community, triggering a swift response from Israeli authorities.

However, conflicting reports emerged regarding the severity of Israel’s retaliation, leaving traders grappling with uncertainty over the potential escalation of hostilities.

In response to the heightened tensions, the US House of Representatives passed new sanctions targeting Iran’s oil sector, signaling a firm stance against the Islamic Republic’s aggressive actions.

With the measure now poised for Senate approval, the specter of further economic pressure on Iran looms large, raising concerns about potential disruptions to global oil supplies.

Warren Patterson, head of commodities strategy for ING Groep NV, who commented on the surprising resilience of oil prices in the face of heightened risk and tension in the Middle East, noted that while the market remains vigilant, it appears unfazed by the current geopolitical climate, choosing instead to adopt a wait-and-see approach regarding the impact of US sanctions on Iranian oil flows.

Despite the prevailing sense of uncertainty, there are signs of bullish sentiment among money managers, who are increasingly positioning themselves to capitalize on any potential spikes in oil prices.

Oil call options, which profit from price increases, are trading at a premium over puts, indicating a belief among investors that the market could tilt in favor of higher prices amidst geopolitical turmoil.

Looking ahead, the focus shifts to a flurry of upcoming events that could further shape the trajectory of oil markets.

Investors eagerly await a slew of economic data from the United States, including key indicators such as the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation, which will provide valuable insights into the future path of monetary policy.

Additionally, earnings reports from major oil companies, including TotalEnergies SE, Chevron Corp., and Exxon Mobil Corp., are set to be released this week.

These reports will offer a glimpse into the financial health of the industry giants and shed light on their production growth strategies amid a backdrop of geopolitical instability.

As tensions continue to simmer in the Middle East, the oil markets remain on edge, with every development closely scrutinized for its potential impact on prices and global energy security.

In this climate of uncertainty, traders and investors alike brace themselves for the next twist in this geopolitical saga, mindful of the far-reaching implications for the world’s most vital commodity.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is capitalizing on the availability of cheaper oil imports from the United States.

Recent reports indicate that the refinery with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day has begun leveraging US-grade oil to power its operations in Nigeria.

According to insights from industry analysts, the refinery has commenced shipping various products, including jet fuel, gasoil, and naphtha, as it gradually ramps up its production capacity.

The utilization of US oil imports, particularly the WTI Midland grade, has provided Dangote Refinery with a cost-effective solution for its feedstock requirements.

Experts anticipate that the refinery’s gasoline-focused units, expected to come online in the summer months will further bolster its influence in the Atlantic Basin gasoline markets.

Alan Gelder, Vice President of Refining, Chemicals, and Oil Markets at Wood Mackenzie, noted that Dangote’s entry into the gasoline market is poised to reshape the West African gasoline supply dynamics.

Despite operating at approximately half its nameplate capacity, Dangote Refinery’s impact on regional fuel markets is already being felt. The refinery’s recent announcement of a reduction in diesel prices from N1,200/litre to N1,000/litre has generated excitement within Nigeria’s downstream oil sector.

This move is expected to positively affect various sectors of the economy and contribute to reducing the country’s high inflation rate.

Furthermore, the refinery’s utilization of US oil imports shows its commitment to exploring cost-effective solutions while striving to meet Nigeria’s domestic fuel demand. As the refinery continues to optimize its production processes, it is poised to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s energy landscape and contribute to the country’s quest for self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products.

Moreover, the Nigerian government’s recent directive to compel oil producers to prioritize domestic refineries for crude supply aligns with Dangote Refinery’s objectives of reducing reliance on imported refined products.

With the flexibility to purchase crude using either the local currency or the US dollar, the refinery is well-positioned to capitalize on these policy reforms and further enhance its operational efficiency.

Oil prices extended their decline for the third consecutive day on Wednesday as concerns over weaker economic data and increasing commercial inventories in the United States weighed on oil outlook.

Brent oil, against which Nigerian oil is priced, dropped by 51 cents to $89.51 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude oil fell by 41 cents to $84.95 a barrel.

The softening of oil prices this week reflects the impact of economic headwinds on global demand, dampening the gains typically seen from geopolitical tensions.

Market observers are closely monitoring how Israel might respond to Iran’s recent attack, though analysts suggest that this event may not significantly affect Iran’s oil exports.

John Evans, an oil broker at PVM, remarked on the situation, noting that oil prices are readjusting after factoring in a “war premium” and facing setbacks in hopes for interest rate cuts.

The anticipation for interest rate cuts received a blow as top U.S. Federal Reserve officials, including Chair Jerome Powell, refrained from providing guidance on the timing of such cuts. This dashed investors’ expectations for significant reductions in borrowing costs this year.

Similarly, Britain’s slower-than-expected inflation rate in March hinted at a delay in the Bank of England’s rate cut, while inflation across the euro zone suggested a potential rate cut by the European Central Bank in June.

Meanwhile, concerns about U.S. crude inventories persist, with a Reuters poll indicating a rise of about 1.4 million barrels last week. Official data from the Energy Information Administration is awaited, scheduled for release on Wednesday.

Adding to the mix, Tengizchevroil announced plans for maintenance at one of six production trains at the Tengiz oilfield in Kazakhstan in May, further influencing market sentiment.

As the oil market navigates through a landscape of economic indicators and geopolitical events, investors remain vigilant for cues that could dictate future price movements.