Trump is acting out and threatening – oil prices are rising. Image: keystone
Oil prices started the week with further increases following US President Donald Trump’s latest threats.
Apr 06, 2026, 06:29Apr 06, 2026, 06:50
The price of North Sea Brent crude oil for delivery in June rose to over $111 per barrel (159 liters).
That’s almost $40 more than before the war began. The US variety West Texas Intermediate also increased.
Trump had previously threatened the Iranian leadership again with violent attacks if they did not give in by 8:00 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday evening (2:00 a.m. CEST on Wednesday). This means that the US government appears to be postponing its ultimatum to Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz for the third time. But the threats are getting sharper.
“If they don’t do anything by Tuesday evening, no power plant or bridge will remain standing,” Trump told the Wall Street Journal. On his Truth Social platform, the president also used insults to emphasize his demands on Iran. “Open the damn road (of Hormuz), you crazy bastards, or you will end up in hell,” he wrote in a post on Easter Sunday.
OPEC+ worried about attacks
The eight core states of the OPEC+ oil cartel are now deeply concerned about Iranian attacks on the energy infrastructure. Restoring damaged energy facilities is costly and time-consuming, which affects overall security of supply, the countries said. The protection of international sea routes is also crucial for supplies, according to the alliance, with a view to the extensive blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
At the same time, the eight countries – which include states particularly affected by the Iran war such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and the United Arab Emirates – are turning on the oil tap a little. It was said that daily production could be increased by 206,000 barrels (159 liters each) in May. (sda/dpa)