Refined Fuel Shortages Persist and Pressure Markets Despite Rebounding Hormuz Crude Shipments

Global markets face an acute deficit of refined petroleum products like diesel even as Strait of Hormuz crude shipments rebound toward pre-conflict levels. Disrupted refinery operations and logistical bottlenecks have left refined fuel flows severely constrained, pushing transport costs higher and prompting U.S. policymakers to evaluate potential domestic fuel export caps. The ongoing energy crunch follows crude futures surging 4.4% to $102.31 a barrel, U.S. retail gasoline topping $4.41 a gallon, and 10-year Treasury yields reaching a 24-year high amid sustained inflationary pressure.