•Experts warn crude oil prices could hit $150-$200/barrel if Middle East crisis prolongs, citing insufficient alternative supply measures.
•A surge in crude oil prices could lead to a 10% Nifty fall, potentially reaching 21,000 if prices stay above $100/barrel for 3-4 months.
•Physical market prices are significantly higher; Omani crude trades at a record $51 premium over Brent, pushing its actual price to $150/barrel.
•Asian refineries, heavily reliant on Middle East oil, are cutting production due to supply disruptions, with China's Sinopec reducing output by over 10%.
•The Strait of Hormuz disruption, a key route for 20% of global oil supply, is the primary cause of market tension and supply shortages.
