Oil prices rebound as markets weigh IEA reserves release

Oil prices rebounded on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, as markets doubted whether the International Energy Agency’s reported plan for a ​record release of oil reserves could offset potential supply shocks from the United States-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Brent futures traded up 59 cents, or 0.7%, at $88.39 a barrel ‌by 0727 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) traded 98 cents higher, or 1.2%, at $84.43 a barrel.

Both contracts extended losses in early Asian trade, after plunging more than 11% on Tuesday, despite U.S. crude prices leaping 5% at the market’s opening.

The IEA’s proposed drawdown would exceed the 182 million barrels of oil that IEA member countries put onto the market ​in two releases in 2022 when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

In ​a note to clients, Goldman Sachs analysts said that a stockpile release of that size would offset 12 days of the ⁠investment bank’s estimated 15.4 million barrel-per-day Gulf exports disruption.

The U.S. and Israel pounded Iran on Tuesday with what the Pentagon and Iranians on the ground ​called the most intense airstrikes of the war.

The U.S. military also “eliminated” 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, the U.S. Central Command said, ​as U.S. President Donald Trump warned any mines laid in the Strait by Iran must be removed immediately.

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G7 officials have also gathered online to discuss a potential release of emergency oil stockpiles to soften the market blow.

French President Emmanuel ‌Macron will host ⁠a video call with other G7 country leaders on Wednesday to discuss the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on energy and measures to address the situation.

Trump has repeatedly said the U.S. is prepared to escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz when necessary.

However, sources told Reuters the U.S. Navy has refused requests from the shipping industry for military escorts as the risk of attacks is too high for now.

The Star