The tanker Skylight, flying the flag of Palau, is sinking in the Strait of Hormuz after being hit by an Iranian missile, reported Iran's state television and radio (IRIB).
At least 150 tankers, including vessels carrying crude oil and liquefied natural gas, have anchored in open waters, not reaching the Strait of Hormuz, reports Reuters.
According to the agency's estimates, the tankers are in open sea off the coasts of major oil-producing countries in the Persian Gulf, including Iraq and Saudi Arabia, as well as Qatar.
Uncertainty persists in the oil market due to the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz; however, additional supply routes may help avoid a sharp price spike.
Experts predict that a new Middle Eastern conflict will drive the price of Brent crude oil up to $80 per barrel. If Iran targets the oil fields of neighboring countries, prices could reach $100 or more per barrel.
However, today global prices for Brent hover around $70 per barrel. The market may be "calmed" by news of the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several representatives of Iran's military-political leadership.
Latvia's largest gas station chain, Circle K, has already taken precautions – just yesterday, 95-octane gasoline in Riga was selling for €1.46 per liter, and today, increased prices of €1.55 per liter have been posted.
If oil prices exceed $100 per barrel globally, Circle K may consider charging Latvian drivers €1.80-€1.90 per liter. However, this won't scare drivers – there was a time when they were buying gasoline at Canadian gas stations for €2.20 per liter.
