Goldman Sachs Warns of Hormuz Strait Risk: Asia Faces Partial ‘Oil Crunch’ and Price Spike

BlockBeats News, April 6th: The latest report from Goldman Sachs pointed out that due to the Middle East conflict, the Strait of Hormuz, a global energy transportation lifeline, is under pressure. The oil supply chain is facing extreme stress, and the risk of localized "oil shortages" is rising.

Goldman Sachs analysis stated that the impact is particularly evident in Asia, where multiple economies are highly dependent on energy imports from the Persian Gulf. Around 50% of fuel in some countries comes from that region, with countries like South Korea and Singapore having even higher reliance on the Middle East.

Although a global supply disruption has not yet occurred, the cushion maintained through inventory depletion, trade redirection, and export restrictions is weakening. Data shows that by late March, net oil imports in Asia had significantly declined, reflecting a rapid increase in supply pressure.

Looking at different categories, naphtha and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have faced severe shortages due to inventory tightness. Meanwhile, diesel and aviation fuel prices continue to rise, with market hoarding behavior further exacerbating volatility.

Some countries have shown signs of fuel rationing or supply interruptions, with places like India and Thailand beginning to take intervention measures.

Goldman Sachs emphasized that a structural global supply crisis has not yet emerged. However, if the disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue, local energy shortages and surging oil prices will further intensify, especially impacting regions with high import dependence.