🔥Goldman Sachs Warns of Strait of Hormuz Risks: Asia May Face Localized "Oil Shortages" and Price Spikes

On April 6, Goldman Sachs' latest report indicated that, due to the Middle East conflict, the Strait of Hormuz— a critical global energy transportation route—is under pressure, and the oil supply chain is experiencing extreme stress, with the risk of localized "oil shortages" increasing. Goldman Sachs analysis states that the impact is especially evident in Asia, where multiple economies are highly dependent on Persian Gulf energy imports, with about 50% of fuel coming from the region in some countries. South Korea, Singapore, and others have even higher reliance on the Middle East. Although a global supply disruption has not yet occurred, the buffers maintained through inventory depletion, trade rerouting, and export restrictions are weakening. Data shows that in late March, Asia's net oil imports have declined significantly, reflecting rapidly increasing supply pressures. In terms of categories, naphtha and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are experiencing severe shortages due to tight inventories…