Ukraine Completes Repairs on Friendship Pipeline, Prepares to Resume Oil Transit to Hungary and Slovakia

Iran Seizes Two Container Ships in Strait of Hormuz Amid Ceasefire Tensions

Iran seized two container ships near Hormuz, escalating tensions amid a ceasefire extension; oil rose as Tehran rejected U.S. talks and denounced European silence. Abstract: Gate News reports that Iran seized two container ships, MSC-FRANCESCA and EPAMINODES, in the Strait of Hormuz, citing violations of maritime regulations and unauthorized operations. The first incident occurred at 8:38 a.m. UTC about eight nautical miles off Iran's coast, and a second around 5:47 a.m. London time about 15 miles northeast of Oman, with a third vessel reportedly hit. The seizures coincide with Trump's ceasefire extension and coincidently sent Brent and WTI crude higher. Goldman Sachs' Daan Struyven said the ceasefire extension reduces the probability of major disruption to global energy infrastructure, though shocks remain. Diplomatically, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi stated Iran has "no plans" to negotiate with the U.S., condemned European silence over what it calls unlawful U.S. and Israeli attacks, and described the blockade of Iranian ports as "an act of war" while deeming the seizure a greater violation.

Trump extends Iran ceasefire on the first day: Hormuz docks 2 ships, oil prices near 100, U.S. stocks close lower

CNBC combines three reports: On April 22, after Trump extended the Iran ceasefire and maintained the blockade of Hormuz, the IRGC seized two cargo ships. Market oil prices are approaching $100 per barrel, and U.S. stocks closed down about 0.6%. The extension of the ceasefire is seen as a negotiating window rather than the end of hostilities, and maritime risks remain. Shipping around Hormuz is nearly at a standstill; Brent is near $100 and WTI is above $90. Oil price movements depend on factors such as the progress of negotiations, the direction of the blockade, and the resumption of shipping.

China Commodity Futures Rally on Night Session Close, No. 20 Rubber Leads with 2.4% Gain

Gate News message, April 22 — Most Chinese commodity futures advanced during the night session close on April 22. No. 20 rubber led gains with a 2.4% increase, while rubber, urea, glass, soybeans, fuel oil, low-sulfur fuel oil, and soda ash each rose more

U.S. Crude Oil Inventory Rises to 465.7M Barrels; Total Exports Hit Record High Amid Iran Tensions

Gate News message, April 22 — The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported Wednesday that crude oil inventories increased by 1.9 million barrels to 465.7 million barrels in the week ending April 17, against expectations of a 1.2 million barrel decline. Gasoline and refined fuel inventor

Shanghai Futures Exchange Opens Nickel Futures and Options to Offshore Traders, Launches Rubber and Copper Options

SHFE opens nickel futures and options to offshore traders and launches NR options and international copper options via SEIE, expanding QFI access and offshore participation. Abstract: The Shanghai Futures Exchange expanded its international reach by opening nickel futures and options to offshore traders and launching natural rubber and international copper options via its SEIE subsidiary. The move broadens qualified foreign investor access, with notable trading volume, open interest, and registration of overseas institutions.

Pyth Integrated as Settlement Data Source for Kalshi Commodity Markets

Kalshi integrates Pyth as settlement data for its new commodity center, covering major metals and energies, enabling continuous trading and reliable settlement; Pyth Pro will expand data access and asset coverage. Kalshi, a CFTC-regulated prediction-market platform, has integrated Pyth as the settlement data source for its new commodity center, covering gold, silver, Brent crude oil, natural gas, copper, corn, soybeans, and wheat. Pyth Pro will provide direct market data access to Kalshi market makers to support continuous trading and reliable settlement of commodity-related event contracts. The collaboration also plans expansion to additional asset classes, including indices, equities, and foreign exchange.