G7 to Discuss Joint Release of Emergency Oil Reserves, Oil Price Surge, Impact on Crypto Market

G7 countries are considering a coordinated release of 300–400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves to calm rising energy prices. Finance ministers from the Group of Seven will hold an emergency call with Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency. Reports of the potential move pushed U.S. oil prices down by as much as $15 per barrel, briefly falling below $104. The IEA’s 32 member countries hold about 1.2 billion barrels in public reserves, part of a system created after the 1973 oil crisis to stabilize global energy markets during supply shocks.

Oil prices fell sharply, dropping about 11% within an hour after major economies announced a massive emergency release from strategic reserves. The Group of Seven and the International Energy Agency said they will release around 400 million barrels of oil to ease supply fears linked to the Iran crisis. The move marks the largest coordinated release in history, equal to nearly 30% of the IEA’s total stockpile. IEA countries hold about 1.24 billion barrels in public reserves, plus roughly 600 million barrels in industry stocks. The reserve system was created after the 1973 oil crisis to stabilize markets during major disruptions.

Oil prices have climbed above $116 per barrel, the highest since 2008, reviving fears of an energy-driven economic shock. Economist Peter Schiff warned that rising energy costs could make it difficult for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates without worsening inflation. Responding to the surge, Changpeng Zhao questioned how rate cuts could happen while oil prices are rising. Schiff argued that the Fed may still ease policy to support markets and the economy, even if it risks higher inflation alongside a potential recession.

The chances of a U.S. recession in 2026 have climbed to about 41% on the prediction platform Polymarket, according to recent trading data. The rising geopolitical risks and market volatility are driving the shift in sentiment. Growing tensions involving Iran have unsettled global markets and raised concerns about energy supply. Oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global crude shipments, are under close watch. If tensions continue to rise, investors fear higher oil prices and slower global economic growth.

Gold and silver prices fell even as tensions between the U.S. and Iran increased. On COMEX, gold dropped about 1.3% to around $5,090 per ounce, while silver fell nearly 4%. The main reason is profit booking, as many investors sold metals after recent gains. A stronger U.S. dollar and rising bond yields also reduced demand for gold and silver. In times of market stress, prices can move in different directions, and the current situation reflects short-term volatility rather than a clear long-term trend.

Oil markets were shaken after the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed during escalating U.S.–Iran tensions, disrupting about 20 million barrels per day—around 20% of global oil supply. U.S. WTI crude prices jumped nearly 30% in a single day, rising above $115 per barrel, the biggest surge on record. The shock quickly spread to financial markets. Asian stocks fell sharply, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropping more than 7% and South Korea’s KOSPI sliding 8%, reflecting growing fears of a global energy and economic crisis.