On October 21, a key crude oil benchmark in the Middle East dropped to its lowest level in nearly three months, indicating that despite escalating attacks on shipping by Iran, the region's oil exports are showing strong resilience. According to General Index data, this week, the premium of Oman crude over Dubai crude fell to around $4 per barrel, the lowest level since late July. This price difference reflects the strength of the physical crude oil market in the Gulf region. In the early stages of the conflict, this premium soared to over $60 per barrel as the Strait of Hormuz was nearly closed. Despite the risk of attacks, major oil-exporting countries in the Middle East have successfully allowed more tankers to pass through the waterway or completely bypassed the Strait of Hormuz via pipelines. These efforts have weakened Iran's attempts to leverage its position by disrupting global energy flows.
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