According to Reuters, sources familiar with the matter said that Middle Eastern oil producers have asked Asian refiners to submit loading plans for April and May in preparation for the eventual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, there are currently no signs that Tehran is lifting its near-total blockade of this crucial waterway, which had previously caused a sharp rise in energy prices. Nevertheless, the previously announced two-week ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran has rekindled hopes for the strait's reopening. Two sources said that Saudi Aramco, the world's largest exporter, has asked its customers to submit applications for shipments from the ports of Yanbu and Rastanaura in May. One source indicated that this will depend on the recovery of exports from the eastern port of Rastanaura, which requires ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.