Energy:
1. LNG carrier freight rates doubled to $200,000 in a single day.
2. The Iranian crisis threatens global supply, causing European natural gas prices to surge by as much as 50%.
3. Baltic Exchange: Tanker freight rates soared to record levels due to the Middle East conflict, with benchmark tankers earning $424,000 per day.
4. Sources: Saudi Aramco's Rastanura refinery, which was attacked and caught fire by Iranian drones, has been shut down as a precaution, and the situation is under control.
5. JPMorgan Chase stated that even a 3-4 week disruption to passage through the Strait of Hormuz could force Gulf Cooperation Council member states to shut down oil production and push Brent crude prices above $100 per barrel.
6. Goldman Sachs: Due to disruptions in Qatar's LNG supply, it raised its April 26 TTF natural gas price forecast to €55/MWh ($19/MMBtu), up from €36/MWh previously. The JKM gas price forecast for April 2026 has been revised upwards from $11.90/MMBtu to $20/MMBtu.
Precious Metals and Mining:
1. A key copper export route from the Democratic Republic of Congo has been disrupted due to a bridge collapse.
2. Uzbekistan has suspended gold exports, with no resumption date set.
3. Reports indicate that Singapore is partnering with several banks to establish a regional gold hub.
4. Risks of conflict in Iran are pushing up aluminum prices; Goldman Sachs predicts it could rise to $3,600 per ton.
5. BMI: If the situation in the Middle East continues, gold prices may reach a record high this week. The Middle East conflict could push aluminum prices to $3,700 per ton.
6. The Governor of the Central Bank of Serbia: Amid escalating external risks, Serbia is increasing its buffer funds and gold reserves.
Other:
1. Shanghai Pudong Airport and Yangshan Port have adjusted flights and routes involving the Middle East.
2. The oil tanker "AthenNova" has been attacked by a drone and has stopped sailing in the Strait of Hormuz.
3. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC): Has suspended all global freight bookings to the Middle East.
4. Shipping giant Maersk: Will suspend the entry and exit of refrigerated cargo and dangerous/special cargo to and from the UAE, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia until further notice.
