WTI Crude Rises for 4th Session
2026-04-23 13:34
By
Agna Gabriel
1 min. read
WTI crude futures climbed to around $94 per barrel on Thursday, extending gains for a 4th consecutive session as tensions between the US and Iran persisted, with both sides locked in a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Trump ordered the US Navy to target any vessels laying mines in the Strait and pledged to intensify efforts to secure the waterway.
Earlier, he extended the ceasefire indefinitely while awaiting a new proposal, even as the blockade remained in place.
Iran however, signaled no immediate willingness to negotiate under ongoing US naval restrictions on its ports.
The blockade has led the US to intercept Iranian tankers, while Tehran has reinforced its control over the Strait.
The conflict has disrupted flows from Gulf producers, tightening global supply.
Despite the standoff, demand for US exports has strengthened, supported by declining domestic fuel inventories, as global markets increasingly rely on American supply to offset disruptions in the Middle East.