Ukraine has launched one of its deepest attacks yet, striking Russia's largest refinery in Siberia, nearly 2,500 km from the border, dealing a major blow to Moscow's fuel infrastructure. The attack comes as Russia intensifies missile and drone strikes against Ukraine, with President Vladimir Putin warning of even stronger retaliation.

At the same time, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to escalate as the United States and Iran exchange strikes for a third consecutive night. Rising attacks on energy infrastructure and commercial shipping have pushed global oil prices sharply higher, raising fears of inflation, supply disruptions, and a possible global economic slowdown.

Ukraine destroys Russia’s largest refinery as Hormuz crisis explodes| Putin threatens bigger strikes

The Iran conflict is rapidly redrawing the global investment landscape, creating distinct market winners and losers as investors reposition around energy shocks, geopolitical risk and defensive assets. An analysis of global markets shows oil producers, defence-linked sectors, AI-driven technology stocks and the US dollar benefiting from the crisis, while airlines, energy-importing economies and vulnerable currencies face mounting pressure.&nbsp;Oil prices have risen sharply amid fears of supply disruptions across the Middle East, with investors closely monitoring shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important routes for crude exports. Reuters reported that oil prices have climbed by roughly 40 per cent since the conflict escalated, dramatically altering expectations around inflation, interest rates and global growth. In physical markets, crude has remained well above $100 a barrel and, at one stage in early April, briefly traded at nearly twice its pre-war level. The surge has strengthened oil-exporting economies and energy companies, while sharply increasing operating costs for sectors heavily dependent on fuel, particularly aviation and logistics. Although a record 400-million-barrel release from strategic petroleum reserves by major economies, along with alternative sourcing by traders, has softened some supply pressures, strain across the global energy system continues to intensify.&nbsp;ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ai-beats-human-forecasters-in-tournament-predicting-outcomes-for-30-tech-ventures-1779875686948">AI beats human forecasters in tournament predicting fate of 30 technology startups</a>&nbsp;Reuters also noted that airlines have come under pressure from both higher fuel costs and disruptions to regional airspace. Earlier this month, Air India temporarily suspended select international routes due to rising aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices and airspace restrictions, while increasing international fuel surcharges by $10 to $50 per passenger. IndiGo also introduced a fresh fuel surcharge as escalating oil prices pushed operating costs higher. Several carriers have been forced to reroute or suspend flights across parts of the Gulf region, adding operational strain at a time when fuel prices are already climbing.&nbsp;<h2>AI and defence stocks emerge among strongest gainers</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>Despite the broader geopolitical uncertainty, investors have continued pouring capital into artificial intelligence-linked companies, particularly large US technology firms. Reportedly, AI-related stocks have remained resilient even as wider market volatility increased, reinforcing their position as a dominant force in global equity markets.&nbsp;South Korea’s SK Hynix crossed the $1 trillion market valuation mark for the first time on Wednesday, joining memory chip rivals Samsung Electronics and Micron Technology as surging investor demand for AI-linked semiconductor stocks continued to drive gains across the global chip sector, Reuters reported.&nbsp;ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-dethrones-switzerland-as-global-cross-border-wealth-capital-report-shows-1779867448139">Hong Kong dethrones Switzerland as global cross-border wealth capital, report shows</a> Defence and cybersecurity firms have also attracted stronger investor interest amid rising security concerns and expectations of increased military spending globally. At the same time, traditional safe-haven assets including the US dollar and gold have strengthened as investors seek protection from geopolitical instability. The report suggests markets are increasingly splitting into sectors that benefit from prolonged instability and those exposed to inflation, fuel dependency and weakening trade conditions.&nbsp;<h2>Fashion and luxury sector</h2> The global luxury sector is entering a phase of stabilisation rather than contraction, according to Kearney’s 2026 Global Luxury Industry Outlook, which projects market growth of 2–4 per cent this year, lower than broader industry forecasts of 3–5 per cent. The report says luxury brands are navigating slower demand, changing consumer behaviour and persistent economic uncertainty, with growth expected to diverge sharply across regions, product segments and buyer demographics.&nbsp;ALSO READ:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-trump-s-abraham-accords-push-is-a-non-starter-and-what-s-driving-it-1779805064408">Why Trump’s Abraham Accords push is a non-starter and what’s driving it?</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Emerging economies and airlines face growing strain</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>The economic pressure is particularly visible in energy-importing regions across Asia and parts of Europe, where rising oil costs threaten to intensify inflation and weaken currencies. Reuters highlighted that Asian currencies and bond markets have faced renewed stress as investors move capital towards safer assets.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the conflict is reinforcing a wider global market divide. Oil exporters, AI-driven technology firms and safe-haven assets continue attracting flows, while sectors dependent on cheap energy and stable trade routes face mounting uncertainty. The result is an increasingly polarised market environment shaped as much by geopolitics as by economic fundamentals. &nbsp;

An analysis of global markets shows oil producers, defence-linked sectors, AI-driven technology stocks and the US dollar benefiting from the crisis, while airlines, energy-importing economies and vulnerable currencies face mounting pressure.

The Iran conflict is rapidly redrawing the global investment landscape, creating distinct market winners and losers as investors reposition around energy shocks, geopolitical risk and defensive assets. An analysis of global markets shows oil producers, defence-linked sectors, AI-driven technology stocks and the US dollar benefiting from the crisis, while airlines, energy-importing economies and vulnerable currencies face mounting pressure. Oil prices have risen sharply amid fears of supply disruptions across the Middle East, with investors closely monitoring shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important routes for crude exports. Reuters reported that oil prices have climbed by roughly 40 per cent since the conflict escalated, dramatically altering expectations around inflation, interest rates and global growth. In physical markets, crude has remained well above $100 a barrel and, at one stage in early April, briefly traded at nearly twice its pre-war level. The surge has strengthened oil-exporting economies and energy companies, while sharply increasing operating costs for sectors heavily dependent on fuel, particularly aviation and logistics. Although a record 400-million-barrel release from strategic petroleum reserves by major economies, along with alternative sourcing by traders, has softened some supply pressures, strain across the global energy system continues to intensify. ALSO READ: AI beats human forecasters in tournament predicting fate of 30 technology startups Reuters also noted that airlines have come under pressure from both higher fuel costs and disruptions to regional airspace. Earlier this month, Air India temporarily suspended select international routes due to rising aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices and airspace restrictions, while increasing international fuel surcharges by $10 to $50 per passenger. IndiGo also introduced a fresh fuel surcharge as escalating oil prices pushed operating costs higher. Several carriers have been forced to reroute or suspend flights across parts of the Gulf region, adding operational strain at a time when fuel prices are already climbing. AI and defence stocks emerge among strongest gainers Despite the broader geopolitical uncertainty, investors have continued pouring capital into artificial intelligence-linked companies, particularly large US technology firms. Reportedly, AI-related stocks have remained resilient even as wider market volatility increased, reinforcing their position as a dominant force in global equity markets. South Korea’s SK Hynix crossed the $1 trillion market valuation mark for the first time on Wednesday, joining memory chip rivals Samsung Electronics and Micron Technology as surging investor demand for AI-linked semiconductor stocks continued to drive gains across the global chip sector, Reuters reported. ALSO READ: Hong Kong dethrones Switzerland as global cross-border wealth capital, report shows Defence and cybersecurity firms have also attracted stronger investor interest amid rising security concerns and expectations of increased military spending globally. At the same time, traditional safe-haven assets including the US dollar and gold have strengthened as investors seek protection from geopolitical instability. The report suggests markets are increasingly splitting into sectors that benefit from prolonged instability and those exposed to inflation, fuel dependency and weakening trade conditions. Fashion and luxury sector The global luxury sector is entering a phase of stabilisation rather than contraction, according to Kearney’s 2026 Global Luxury Industry Outlook, which projects market growth of 2–4 per cent this year, lower than broader industry forecasts of 3–5 per cent. The report says luxury brands are navigating slower demand, changing consumer behaviour and persistent economic uncertainty, with growth expected to diverge sharply across regions, product segments and buyer demographics. ALSO READ: Why Trump’s Abraham Accords push is a non-starter and what’s driving it? Emerging economies and airlines face growing strain The economic pressure is particularly visible in energy-importing regions across Asia and parts of Europe, where rising oil costs threaten to intensify inflation and weaken currencies. Reuters highlighted that Asian currencies and bond markets have faced renewed stress as investors move capital towards safer assets. Meanwhile, the conflict is reinforcing a wider global market divide. Oil exporters, AI-driven technology firms and safe-haven assets continue attracting flows, while sectors dependent on cheap energy and stable trade routes face mounting uncertainty. The result is an increasingly polarised market environment shaped as much by geopolitics as by economic fundamentals.

An analysis of global markets shows oil producers, defence-linked sectors, AI-driven technology stocks and the US dollar benefiting from the crisis, while airlines, energy-importing economies and vulnerable currencies face mounting pressure.

Oil spikes, airlines stumble, AI stocks soar: The sectors gaining and losing most from the Iran war

Oil prices plunged over five percent and Asian markets ticked up early on Monday (May 25) as reports suggested that the US and Iran may sign a peace agreement to end the ongoing conflict. AFP reported that as of around 2300 GMT Sunday, the price of North Sea Brent crude slipped 5.1 percent to $98.22 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate fell 5.2 percent to $91.57 a barrel before recovering slightly. Japan's Nikkei share index rose more than 2.5 percent as of around 0030 GMT. Sydney crept slightly higher, while Hong Kong and Seoul were closed for public holidays.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/another-fuel-price-hike-likely-bpcl-flags-energy-disruption-amid-iran-conflicts-1779630434897">Another fuel price hike likely? BPCL flags energy disruption amid Iran conflicts</a><h2>What we know about Iran-US deal?</h2>This comes after US President Donald Trump hinted that the peace deal to end Iran war has been “largely negotiated” and both sides have agreed to reopen the Strait of Homuz. Iranian officials were also quoted in several reports saying the the Hormuz traffic will return to pre-war levels within 30 days of signing a deal with the United States. The deal has not yet been finalised but Pakistan, that is acting as a mediator has expressed hopes to host the two sides for a fresh round of talks. Trump also warned that the negotiations are proceeding in an “orderly and constructive manner” and US representatives have been advised to “not to rush into a deal." The conflict erupted after the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, and the Islamic republic responded with missile and drone attacks across the region. The United States and Iran have observed a ceasefire since April 8 while mediators push for a negotiated settlement, although the Strait of Hormuz has remained largely blocked.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-hikes-petrol-diesel-prices-for-fourth-time-in-10-days-check-city-wise-prices-here-1779673713365">India hikes petrol, diesel prices for fourth time in 10 days: CHECK city-wise rates here</a><h2>What this means for India?</h2>The sharp fall in global crude oil prices could bring temporary relief for Indians, which imports more than 85 percent of its crude oil needs. Lower Brent crude prices may ease pressure on oil marketing companies and reduce the chances of another immediate fuel price hike after four increases in 10 days. India announced a fuel price hike for the fourth time on Monday (May 25) with petrol been hiked by ₹2.61 per litre and diesel prices been hiked by ₹2.71 per litre.&nbsp;A decline in oil prices can also help contain inflation, lower transport and logistics costs, and reduce the burden on the Indian rupee by cutting the country's import bill. Sectors heavily dependent on fuel — including aviation, transport and manufacturing — may benefit if crude prices remain lower for a sustained period.&nbsp;However, uncertainty remains high as the US-Iran conflict is still unresolved and tensions around Gulf shipping routes and the Strait of Hormuz continue to threaten global energy supplies. Any fresh escalation could once again push crude prices sharply higher and impact fuel prices in India. Experts also say that the signing of peace deal won't solve the worldwide energy crisis immediately.

Oil prices plunged over 5% while Asian markets gained amid hopes of a possible US-Iran peace deal, despite Donald Trump downplaying imminent progress. Brent crude fell below $99 a barrel as investors tracked ceasefire developments, Gulf shipping disruptions and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Oil prices plunged over five percent and Asian markets ticked up early on Monday (May 25) as reports suggested that the US and Iran may sign a peace agreement to end the ongoing conflict. AFP reported that as of around 2300 GMT Sunday, the price of North Sea Brent crude slipped 5.1 percent to $98.22 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate fell 5.2 percent to $91.57 a barrel before recovering slightly. Japan's Nikkei share index rose more than 2.5 percent as of around 0030 GMT. Sydney crept slightly higher, while Hong Kong and Seoul were closed for public holidays. Also Read: Another fuel price hike likely? BPCL flags energy disruption amid Iran conflicts What we know about Iran-US deal? This comes after US President Donald Trump hinted that the peace deal to end Iran war has been “largely negotiated” and both sides have agreed to reopen the Strait of Homuz. Iranian officials were also quoted in several reports saying the the Hormuz traffic will return to pre-war levels within 30 days of signing a deal with the United States. The deal has not yet been finalised but Pakistan, that is acting as a mediator has expressed hopes to host the two sides for a fresh round of talks. Trump also warned that the negotiations are proceeding in an “orderly and constructive manner” and US representatives have been advised to “not to rush into a deal." The conflict erupted after the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, and the Islamic republic responded with missile and drone attacks across the region. The United States and Iran have observed a ceasefire since April 8 while mediators push for a negotiated settlement, although the Strait of Hormuz has remained largely blocked. Also Read: India hikes petrol, diesel prices for fourth time in 10 days: CHECK city-wise rates here What this means for India? The sharp fall in global crude oil prices could bring temporary relief for Indians, which imports more than 85 percent of its crude oil needs. Lower Brent crude prices may ease pressure on oil marketing companies and reduce the chances of another immediate fuel price hike after four increases in 10 days. India announced a fuel price hike for the fourth time on Monday (May 25) with petrol been hiked by ₹2.61 per litre and diesel prices been hiked by ₹2.71 per litre. A decline in oil prices can also help contain inflation, lower transport and logistics costs, and reduce the burden on the Indian rupee by cutting the country's import bill. Sectors heavily dependent on fuel — including aviation, transport and manufacturing — may benefit if crude prices remain lower for a sustained period. However, uncertainty remains high as the US-Iran conflict is still unresolved and tensions around Gulf shipping routes and the Strait of Hormuz continue to threaten global energy supplies. Any fresh escalation could once again push crude prices sharply higher and impact fuel prices in India. Experts also say that the signing of peace deal won't solve the worldwide energy crisis immediately.

Oil prices plunged over 5% while Asian markets gained amid hopes of a possible US-Iran peace deal, despite Donald Trump downplaying imminent progress. Brent crude fell below $99 a barrel as investors tracked ceasefire developments, Gulf shipping disruptions and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Oil prices fall over 5% amid Iran-US peace hopes: Will petrol and diesel prices in India come down now?

oil-prices-today

Oil Prices Today, News on Oil Prices Today, stories on Oil Prices Today, articles on Oil Prices Today, Oil Prices Today stories at Wion, Oil Prices Today news, Oil Prices Today latest news

oil prices-today

Ukraine destroys Russia’s largest refinery as Hormuz crisis explodes| Putin threatens bigger strikes

Oil, airlines, AI: The sectors gaining and losing most from the Iran war

Oil prices fall amid US-Iran peace hopes: What it means for Indian fuel prices