Oil prices surge again after US seizes Iranian ship

WorldBusiness & Finance
20 Apr 2026 • 4:48 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Oil prices rose after the US seized an Iranian cargo ship, the Touska, which has jeopardised peace efforts and hopes for reopening the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
  • Brent crude oil jumped 5% to 94.72 US dollars a barrel, raising concerns about increased petrol and diesel costs for UK households and potential rises in energy bills.
  • US forces attacked the Touska for attempting to breach a blockade on Iranian ports, with Donald Trump stating a US warship disabled the vessel's engine room.
  • The incident has cast doubt on scheduled US-Iran talks in Pakistan, with Trump threatening military action if a deal is not reached, while Iranian state media suggested Tehran would not participate.
  • Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper insisted that any resolution must ensure full freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, without Iran imposing tolls for passage.

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