What the Iran strike means for gas prices

In this Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2019 photo, a gas pump reflecting current prices is seen in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Generally, when tension in the Middle East rises, so do prices at the pump. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

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The American airstrike that killed Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad Thursday hit financial markets almost immediately with oil prices jumping, stock indices down, and weapons manufacturer stocks higher.

The airstrike adds considerable tension to the delicate region, and raises concerns that escalation could result in oil supply disruptions that could push prices higher — prices that would ultimately end up being paid by consumers when they fill up their cars. Crude oil prices jumped around 4% from $61 a barrel to almost $64 before calming down slightly.

A deteriorating relationship between the U.S. and Iran has the potential to affect consumers and the U.S. economy, though there are multiple factors that should keep things stable for people at the pump.

Patrick DeHaan, the head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, told Yahoo Finance that the initial reactions may add 3 to 7 cents per gallon to gas prices, or even 5 to 10 cents per gallon. But far more importantly, how Iran decides to react or retaliate will set the tone.

“The sky is the limit based on their potential reaction,” DeHaan said of Iran.

However, he noted there is significant insulation that could shield impact in the form of Saudi Arabia. An enemy of Iran, the country “holds sizable spare capacity that could be utilized to soften any impact to oil supply,” DeHaan said.

Lots of supply to keep things under control

As ING Group wrote in a research note Friday, it takes a lot to scare the oil market because supply is so comfortable.

Saudi Arabia’s capacity is one of the many reasons prices at the pump could stay under control even if the situation escalates.

Graphic by David Foster/Yahoo Finance
Graphic by David Foster/Yahoo Finance

It’s not just capacity but Saudi Arabia’s diversified portfolio of export options. Even if Iran were to try to block the Strait of Hormuz, ING noted that the country’s new pipeline could allow the country to ship its oil via the Red Sea, limiting potentially severe effects.

Oil exports that use the Strait of Hormuz make up around 20% of global oil consumption, and its blockage could send prices up to $150 per barrel.

In September, when drone attacks hit Saudi Arabia’s oil production facilities — an attack that was blamed on Iran — prices rose, but then fell quickly as the situation contained itself and the Saudis managed to get supply back up.

American shale to the rescue — and the strategic energy reserve

Another reason gas prices are shielded is the fact that it’s an election year. As ING pointed out, the fact that it’s an election year means President Trump may be more inclined to open the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserves should supply get tight.