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Brent oil surges past $90 as US-Iran conflict hits Gulf shipping

July 20, 2026

Oil prices jumped on Monday, with Brent crude rising above US$90 a barrel, as renewed US-Iran attacks disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Thai Navy warns operators to avoid high-risk Strait of Hormuz after Thai-flagged ship reportedly intercepted

July 18, 2026

The Royal Thai Navy has warned Thai shipping operators to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, which remains at the highest risk level, after Iranian media claimed a Thai-flagged vessel was intercepted by the IRGC.

Iran urges Houthis to prepare for possible Red Sea oil route closure

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2026

A reported Iranian request and Houthi deployments near Bab el-Mandeb could leave the Middle East’s two main oil-export corridors disrupted at the same time.

Japan weighs restoring naphtha reserves amid Middle East supply risks

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

The government is studying storage options and costs as Middle East tensions highlight Japan's heavy dependence on naphtha and crude from the region.

Trump orders Hormuz blockade, drops 20% fee plan for Gulf investment deals

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2026

US President Donald Trump has escalated military pressure on Iran by ordering a full blockade of Iranian ports, while abruptly dropping a proposed 20% security fee on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz in favour of major trade and investment deals with Arab states.

Thai hotels cut room rates as Middle East conflict weakens demand

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2026

While half of hotels expected fewer tourists amid the Middle East conflict, 38% saw customer numbers fall more sharply than forecast.

Trump restarts Iran hostilities and demands 20% Hormuz fee

TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2026

Trump has formally notified Congress of renewed hostilities with Iran while announcing a US blockade and a proposed 20% charge on goods crossing the Strait of Hormuz

Iran closes Hormuz again as Gulf attacks widen, Thai embassy warns citizens in Kuwait

MONDAY, JULY 13, 2026

Iran says it has closed the Strait of Hormuz after fresh ship incidents, while missile and drone attacks across Gulf states deepen concern over energy flows and Thai citizens in Kuwait are urged to avoid risk areas.

BOJ holds regional outlook as cost pass-through accelerates

THURSDAY, JULY 09, 2026

Japan’s central bank kept its regional outlook steady, but companies warned of faster price rises linked to Middle East-driven cost pressures.

IMF trims global outlook as Middle East war and AI risks linger

THURSDAY, JULY 09, 2026

The Fund sees growth slowing to 3.0 per cent in 2026, as oil costs, fractured trade and AI-market expectations threaten the recovery.

Iran claims attacks on US sites in Bahrain and Kuwait after US strikes

WEDNESDAY, JULY 08, 2026

Iran says it targeted US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait after new US strikes, as the Hormuz ceasefire faces its sharpest test

Thai Airways reduces fares on selected routes as jet fuel prices ease