April 8, 2026 Oil prices dropped sharply after Iran declared a two-week ceasefire in its ongoing conflict, easing fears of prolonged supply disruptions.

Oil Markets React to Ceasefire

The price of Brent crude fell by approximately 16% to $92 per barrel following the announcement of the temporary truce. The decline marks a significant reversal from recent spikes triggered by geopolitical tensions in the region. Analysts attribute the drop to expectations of stabilized oil flows, particularly through the critical Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier, Iran had blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route, causing prices to surge. The blockade had raised concerns about potential supply shortages, but the ceasefire has alleviated some of those fears. Market watchers caution, however, that the situation remains volatile, and further disruptions could quickly reverse the price trend.

Global Stock Markets Rally

The ceasefire announcement also buoyed global stock markets, with major indices posting notable gains. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose by 4.4%, while South Korea’s Kospi index climbed around 6%. Australia’s S&P ASX 200 started the trading day with an increase of over 2.6%. Investors welcomed the reduced risk of escalation, which had weighed heavily on market sentiment in recent weeks.