US heating oil futures rose above $3.90 in April gaining more than 15% over the past three sessions and hitting a two-week high amid tightening supply conditions for refiners, driven by the prolonged Middle East conflict. The US and Iran remained in a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz after failing to resume peace talks, with Washington maintaining a naval blockade on vessels to and from Iranian ports. Since the blockade began, US forces have intercepted and boarded ships while turning back dozens attempting to enter Iranian waters. Iran has also restricted passage through the strait, with reports of gunfire on commercial vessels this week. The escalating tensions have reduced oil flows from major Persian Gulf producers, as the chokepoint accounts for roughly a quarter of global seaborne oil trade. Meanwhile, EIA data showed distillate stocks, including diesel and heating oil, fell by 3.4 million barrels last week, exceeding expectations for a 2.5 million barrel draw.
