Rabobank Raises Oil and Gas Price Forecasts Amid Hormuz Strait Disruptions

Rabobank analysts have revised their forecasts for Brent crude oil and European TTF natural gas prices due to potential disruptions in the Hormuz Strait. According to Jin10, the effective closure of the strait and ongoing attacks on shipping could last from four weeks to three months, impacting oil and liquefied natural gas flows for an even longer period. The bank has increased its Brent crude price predictions for the second and third quarters to $85 per barrel and for the fourth quarter to $81.50 per barrel, significantly higher than the previous expectations of around $70. Additionally, Rabobank has raised its European TTF natural gas price forecasts, projecting €50 per megawatt-hour for the second quarter, €48 for the third quarter, and €40 for the fourth quarter, compared to earlier estimates of approximately €31.