Could oil really hit US$150 a barrel?

Oil prices jump as US-Iran tensions put US$150 in focus.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Oil prices are back making headlines after climbing strongly overnight.

At the latest check, crude oil was up 5.2% to US$92.80 a barrel, while brent crude was up 4.4% to US$95.50 a barrel.

The move has been driven by rising tensions between the United States and Iran, with attention again turning to the Strait of Hormuz.

According to The Australian, energy researcher Rystad has warned that a resumption "in earnest" of US-Iran hostilities could lift oil prices towards US$150 a barrel.

While that's not where oil sits today, it does give investors a clear number to watch if the situation deteriorates further.

A graphic depicting a businessman in a business suit standing with his hand to his chin looking at a large red arrow pointing upwards above a line up of oil barrels againist the backdrop of a world map.

Image source: Getty Images

Why traders are watching Iran

Oil moved higher after reports that the US targeted Iranian air defence and radar infrastructure following an Apache helicopter incident near the Strait of Hormuz.

Oilprice.com said officials and analysts described the operation as a limited warning, rather than the start of a wider war.

The Australian also reported that US President Donald Trump has warned Iran it will be hit "very hard".

Rystad's Jorge Leon said it was still too early to say whether the current escalation marked a full resumption of hostilities or a dangerous but limited conflict.

Leon added that the probability of a near-term US-Iran peace deal had narrowed from Rystad's previous estimate of around 40% a few weeks ago.

The Strait of Hormuz is the key risk

Trading Economics reported that fears of disruption through the waterway have added to concerns about global supply.

It noted that a near-total closure of the strait could still affect oil flows, even though some crude is still moving through the Persian Gulf.

There are still some limits on how far prices have moved.

The Australian reported that record Strategic Petroleum Reserve releases have helped lift US exports, while China has reduced crude imports.

It also said around 5 million barrels per day of crude is bypassing the Strait of Hormuz through Saudi Arabia's Yanbu port.

At the same time, US crude inventories fell by 7.2 million barrels last week, marking the seventh straight weekly decline.

What happens now?

The oil price is now being driven less by normal supply and demand and more by what's happening in the Middle East.

If hostilities resume, Rystad's warning shows why the market is taking a closer look.

Even though US$150 oil isn't where prices are today, the fact that it's being discussed at all tells us how quickly the risk has changed.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Economy

A vortex of ASX shares on the boards gets sucked into an Australian flag, indicating trading on the ASX share market.
Economy

Here's why the ASX 200 is falling despite a sea of green

Big miners and banks are dragging on the ASX 200 today.

Read more »

ASX board.
Economy

Why is the ASX 200 falling when so many stocks are rising?

Big miners and banks are pulling the ASX 200 lower.

Read more »

Woman with a scared look has hands on her face.
Economy

Why is the ASX 200 being smashed today?

The ASX 200 has lost momentum after reaching recent highs.

Read more »

A vortex of ASX shares on the boards gets sucked into an Australian flag, indicating trading on the ASX share market.
Economy

Why the ASX 200 is rallying despite a weaker growth warning

Resources lead the ASX 200 higher today.

Read more »

Pieces of paper with percetage rates on them and a question mark.
Economy

Why the RBA's next move could be the most important event for ASX shares in 2026

The RBA meets on 16 June. Here is why the decision could move CBA, Westpac, and Mirvac shares more than…

Read more »

Close-up photo of a back jean pocket with Australian dollar bills in it and a hand reaching in to collect the notes
Economy

Australia's minimum wage just rose 4.75%. Here is what it means for ASX consumer stocks

Australia's minimum wage rose 4.75% to $26.44 per hour from July 2026. Here's what that means for ASX consumer stocks.

Read more »

A young man talks tech on his phone while looking at a laptop with a financial graph superimposed across the image.
Economy

Why's the ASX 200 falling today despite another tech rally?

The ASX 200 is having a choppy session.

Read more »

Man ecstatic after reading good news.
Economy

Job ads rose for the first time in three months. Here is why that is good news for these ASX shares

Australian job ads rose 1.8% in May for the first time in three months.

Read more »