Middle East Conflict Rocks Global Markets: Oil Prices Soar, Supply Chains Threatened

• Joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran's retaliation have plunged global markets into an economic emergency, with energy markets facing unprecedented shock.
• Brent crude prices are surging, with analysts warning of a potential breach of $100 per barrel if the conflict persists and the Strait of Hormuz remains compromised, impacting 20-26% of global oil supply.
• The conflict threatens global LNG and LPG markets, with Qatar's exports vulnerable and disruptions to Iranian LPG flows impacting China's supply.
• Financial markets show a flight to safety: gold and silver are rising, the Swiss franc strengthens, and US Treasury yields fall, while Bitcoin and equity markets experience losses.
• India faces severe economic repercussions due to its high reliance on Middle Eastern oil imports, threatening to widen its current account deficit, increase inflation, and pressure the rupee.