Oil Prices Surge 8% After Trump Reimposes Iran Blockade

Oil prices jumped more than 8% on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the United States would reinstate its blockade on Iran, forcing traders to once again price in the risk of prolonged disruption to energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude climbed above $82 per barrel during afternoon trading, gaining more than 8%, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) surged past $77 per barrel.  Monday’s surge wiped out most of the losses that followed last month’s ceasefire, pushing Brent back above $82 and West…