WTI regains ground near $80 amid continued energy supply risks

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil prices rebounded slightly during the early European trading session on Friday, edging higher by 0.4% to around $81.40. The price increase came amid ongoing concerns regarding energy supply risks in the Middle East, where key passages have been closed. Analysts at TD Securities foresee further upside for oil prices, attributing the recent decline to a temporary setback within a more positive medium-term outlook.

Ship transits at Hormuz, a crucial energy route, have increased marginally but remain significantly lower than pre-war levels. The Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab Strait, accounting for 27% of global energy supply, have been closed due to blockades by the US and Iran-aligned Houthis. Iran has yet to engage in discussions with the US on reopening Hormuz, but is negotiating with Oman for cooperative navigation management.

OPEC recently adjusted its global oil demand forecast for 2026 to 580,000 barrels per day, down from the previous estimate of 780,000 barrels per day. WTI US Oil is currently trading at $80.76, with a constructive near-term bias indicated by its proximity to the 20-day exponential moving average of $80.04. Technical analysis suggests upward momentum, but traders are monitoring the 20-day EMA and nearby psychological barriers for possible support and resistance levels.