Oil prices surge | U.S. reportedly exploring unconventional measures to address risks

Middle East conflict pushes up international oil prices. Foreign news outlets cited sources as reporting that the U.S. Treasury has treated anything above $100 as a “baseline scenario” for oil prices, and internally is assessing the risk that oil prices could rise to $150 per barrel or even higher. At the same time, it has not ruled out the extreme possibility of oil prices surging to $200.

Reports say the government is considering using emergency powers and other unconventional measures, such as limiting crude oil exports, to curb oil prices.

Analysts warn that the initial shock from the outbreak of the conflict has been partly digested by the market, but the true supply “peak” is expected to reach the U.S. market within the next few weeks. At that time, prices for products such as diesel and aviation fuel will rise directly, placing a heavy burden on consumers.

A White House spokesperson denied that the government is discussing or forecasting short-term oil prices, and said it has not assessed the likelihood of oil reaching $200 per barrel. The spokesperson reiterated that the government will continue exploring necessary options to alleviate short-term supply disruptions, and emphasized that thanks to President Trump’s policies, domestic U.S. oil and gas production is at a historic high.