Two major shipping routes in crisis, oil prices heading towards $100 — Samsung S&P Goldman Sachs Crude Oil ER Futures ETF (3175 HK) helps you seize investment opportunities amid the energy crisis.

The Middle East conflict continues to escalate, and the global energy market is undergoing an unprecedented 'double blockade.' With the Houthis officially joining the war, the world's two most critical energy transportation chokepoints—the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea-Bab el-Mandeb Strait—are simultaneously under severe threat. Meanwhile, member countries of the International Energy Agency (IEA) have initiated the largest-ever release of strategic oil reserves in an attempt to stabilize the market. How will this geopolitical game evolve? And how should investors position themselves?

Both major shipping chokepoints in crisis: Global energy supply chain faces systemic challenges.

Strait of Hormuz: The lifeline for 20% of global oil flow.

The Strait of Hormuz has long carried approximately 20% of global liquid petroleum trade, with daily traffic averaging about 20 million barrels. Since the outbreak of the conflict on February 28, passage through the strait has been restricted, causing a significant drop in tanker traffic as many tankers are either stranded or forced to take alternate routes. [1] The International Energy Agency warns that the most critical factor for ensuring stable supply is the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. [2]

Red Sea-Bab el-Mandeb Strait: The throat of Asia-Europe trade.

On March 28, Yemen's Houthi forces issued a statement claiming they had launched their first military operation by firing missiles at Israel. Analysts pointed out that if the Houthis resume attacks on ships in the Red Sea, this important commercial shipping channel will once again face a crisis. If both the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz are blocked simultaneously, it would mean that the world’s two most critical trade and energy strategic waterways will be cut off at the same time.

Three Major Energy Categories Hit Hardest

According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the International Energy Agency (IEA), the three major energy categories most affected are as follows [1]:

IEA Launches Largest-Ever Reserve Release: 426 Million Barrels of Crude Oil Injected into Market

On March 11, IEA member countries reached a collective action agreement, committing to inject 426 million barrels of oil reserves into the market, marking the largest joint reserve release in the agency’s history. Below are the quantities and sources of oil reserve releases from some member countries:

United States ~ 172.2 million barrels: Entirely from public strategic petroleum reserves, all crude oil

Japan ~ 79.8 million barrels: Crude oil and refined products each account for half

Germany, the UK, France ~ 47.51 million barrels: Reduction in short-term oil consumption through energy-saving measures and demand management policies

Canada, Mexico ~ 23.6 million barrels, 3.9 million barrels: Contribution of crude oil through increased production

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol stated that despite the unprecedented scale of this collective action, only the restoration of safe passage on maritime routes can truly bring stability back to the market. [3]

The deeper significance of reserve releases: Easing conflict but oil prices remain stubbornly high

It is worth noting that the use of strategic petroleum reserves by various countries will become a long-term factor supporting oil prices. Analysts at Goldman Sachs pointed out that the release of strategic reserves is not a 'free lunch'—once tensions ease, countries will need to replenish their inventories over several years, providing sustained demand support for oil prices. [4]

Three main reasons supporting oil prices:

Macquarie stated that if the Iran conflict continues into June and the critical Strait of Hormuz remains closed, oil prices could reach a record high of $200 per barrel. [6]

$Samsung S&P GSCI Crude Oil ER (03175.HK)$: An efficient tool for capturing fluctuations in oil prices

Currently, both the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea routes are under severe threat, putting the global energy supply chain through systemic tests. Although the International Energy Agency (IEA) has initiated the largest-ever reserve release in history, this itself will trigger inventory replenishment needs over the next few years, providing long-term support for oil prices.

In an environment of high oil price volatility and ongoing geopolitical risks, $Samsung S&P GSCI Crude Oil ER (03175.HK)$It provides investors with a convenient tool to capture energy market trends. Whether for short-term trading or medium-term allocation,317 $Samsung S&P GSCI Crude Oil ER (03175.HK)$it allows you to participate in the volatility opportunities of the crude oil market at the touch of a button.

Source:

[1] 國際在線 (29/3/2026)

[2] 联合早报 (20/3/2026)

[3] China News Weekly (16/3/2026)

[4] AASTOCKS (20/3/2026)

[5] 中國能源網 (12/3/2026)

[6] 信報財經新聞 (27/3/2026)

Important Information

• Investment involves risks. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The price of the fund can go up as well as down, and investors may suffer all or a significant portion of their investment losses. Investors should not make any investment decisions solely based on this information.

• The Samsung S&P Goldman Sachs Crude Oil ER Futures ETF ("Sub-fund") is a sub-fund of the Samsung ETF Trust. The Sub-fund’s investment objective is to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, closely correspond to the performance of the S&P GSCI Crude Oil Enhanced 55/30/15 1M/2M/3M Index (USD) ER ("Index"). The Sub-fund is a futures-based exchange-traded fund, subject to risks associated with derivatives and different from traditional exchange-traded funds.

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