Overview Since the war in West Asia escalated, Brent crude touched $118 per barrel – a level not seen since the 2022‑23 price spike. The surge began in mid‑December 2025 when Brent was around $57.56 , marking a more‑than‑100% rise in just two months. Although prices have retreated from the peak, they remain in three‑digit territory, underscoring the lasting impact of geopolitical tension on global oil markets. Key Developments (Bullet Points) Strategic rivalries in West Asia have turned regional disputes into global supply‑chain risks, creating tangible barriers to oil flow. About 20% of global oil supplies move through the Strait of Hormuz , and another 10% via the Bab el‑Mandeb‑Suez corridor. The Israel‑Iran confrontation has effectively sidelined this 20% share, even without formal production cuts. Super‑tanker freight rates have more than doubled; insurers now levy war‑risk surcharges, raising landed import costs. The G‑7 announced the release of 400 million barrels from their Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) , a move aimed at calming market psychology. Important Facts 1. Brent crude has been volatile, swinging 5‑10% within days of any military or diplomatic development, irrespective of actual output changes. 2. The shift of Russian oil to Asian markets after the Ukraine war has lengthened shipping routes and introduced complex payment and compliance regimes, turning a volume‑stable supply into an operationally volatile one. 3. Financial markets now amplify geopolitical sentiment: futures, options, and derivatives trade oil as a financial asset, so speculative positions can rise even when physical inventories are adequate. 4. OPEC continues to manage supply, but its impact is now intertwined with a built‑in risk premium that reflects security concerns. UPSC Relevance Understanding the nexus of geopolitics and oil markets is vital for GS‑III (Economy) and GS‑II (Polity & International Relations). Aspirants should note how: Maritime chokepoints translate into strategic vulnerabilities for energy‑importing nations like India. SPR releases are used as a policy tool to manage market psychology, not just physical shortages. Financialisation of commodities adds a layer of price volatility beyond supply‑demand fundamentals. India’s energy security strategy must blend diplomatic engagement, diversified sourcing, and robust reserve management. Way Forward for India 1. Diversify crude sources – expand contracts with multiple producing regions to reduce over‑reliance on any single chokepoint. 2. Enhance refining flexibility – upgrade refineries to handle a broader slate of crude grades, mitigating supply shocks. 3. Strengthen strategic reserves – not only to cover physical shortages but also to signal market confidence during geopolitical stress. 4. Build financial expertise – develop capabilities to navigate hedging, war‑risk insurance, and complex payment mechanisms. 5. Integrate maritime security – coordinate with the Navy and Coast Guard to safeguard oil‑carrying routes, a critical component of energy security. By addressing both physical and financial dimensions of oil risk, India can cushion its economy from abrupt price spikes and ensure a stable supply for transport, aviation, and petrochemical sectors.