WTI Crude Oil Futures Jump over 2% After Two VLCCs Struck by Unidentified Objects in Strait of Hormuz

Marisks reported two very large crude carriers (VLCCs) were struck by unidentified objects while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the key export chokepoint for Persian Gulf oil.

WTI crude oil futures jumped 2.3% to $87.74 a barrel; Brent oil futures rose 1.6% to $89.78 a barrel.

The Bahri-operated VLCC Sidr was hit off the Oman coast, northeast of Khasab; Sinokor's Senegal Prosperity was struck by three unidentified objects east of Oman. Marisks said both vessels were departing the Persian Gulf at the time.

Bahri and Sinokor did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Earlier, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a tanker leaving the Strait had been hit by three unidentified objects but did not identify the vessel.