Mainland China cuts gasoline and diesel prices by RMB 230 and RMB 220 per tonne, respectively.
The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) announced that, in light of fluctuations in international oil prices, the domestic prices of gasoline and diesel (standard grades) would be reduced by RMB 230 and RMB 220 per tonne, respectively, effective from 24:00 on August 14. Authorities noted that after a rapid decline, international crude oil prices have been volatile, with the average price over the ten working days preceding this adjustment falling below the average recorded during the ten-day period prior to the previous adjustment. PetroChina, Sinopec, CNOOC, and other crude oil refiners are required to organize the production and distribution of refined oil products effectively to ensure stable market supply and strictly adhere to national pricing policies. Relevant local authorities are instructed to strengthen market supervision and inspection efforts and to impose strict penalties on entities failing to comply with national pricing policies.
U.S. threatens "economic isolation" of Iran, driving oil prices higher
Oil prices rose in early trading on Friday (the 14th) after the United States indicated that a maritime blockade of Iranian ports could continue "indefinitely," reigniting market focus on energy flows through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. As of 2:55 a.m. Eastern Time, Brent crude, the international benchmark, was up 0.96% at $87.91 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures gained 1.08% to $82.13. Both benchmarks had fallen 2% during Thursday’s (the 13th) trading session, but sustained rebounds have kept them on track for a weekly gain of approximately 4%. U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent, in an interview with "
Express News | Advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader: Conflict may escalate if conditions are not met
Mohsen Mokhber, an advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, stated on social media on the 13th that if the conditions proposed by Iran are not met, the Supreme Leader has made a clear strategic decision to respond by escalating the conflict. Mokhber said that the current situation has demonstrated the United States’ inability to protect its allies in the Persian Gulf. He further stated that the most sustainable path to establishing a new regional order lies in promoting the implementation of the “Hormuz Economic Security Mechanism” to reduce dependence on U.S. military security guarantees. (Xinhua News Agency)
Tit-for-tat! Iran’s new senior military official hits back at Trump: The Strait of Hormuz is under Iranian control
Hossein Taeb, the newly appointed commander of Iran’s Basij paramilitary militia, stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains under the “management and control of the Islamic Republic.”
Iran has reportedly stated that there has been no progress in negotiations with the United States to revive a temporary peace agreement.
Citing Iranian sources, Reuters reported that Iran and the United States remain at an impasse over reaching an agreement to permanently end Gulf tensions, with no progress made in negotiations to revive the provisional agreement reached in June and establish an implementation timetable. According to Iranian sources, one of the issues discussed by the two sides through mediators was the U.S. return to the provisional agreement and the setting of a timetable for fulfilling commitments, on which no progress has been achieved. The provisional ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States in June set a 60-day deadline, extendable upon mutual consent. Earlier reports suggested that both countries had agreed to extend the 60-day period, but Iranian sources denied these rumors.
Foreign media report "no progress" in US-Iran ceasefire, Trump claims full control over Strait of Hormuz
On Tuesday evening local time, U.S. President Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews in the suburbs of Washington that the United States had "full control" over the Strait of Hormuz.
DATE OF BOARD MEETING
IEA warns of intensifying impact from the Strait of Hormuz crisis: Global oil market faces largest supply deficit in five years
The International Energy Agency (IEA) released its latest monthly report on Wednesday, warning that the global oil market is facing a rapidly widening supply gap as conflict reignites in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz remains blockaded. Inventory drawdowns are accelerating far beyond expectations, even as the demand-destructive impact of high oil prices intensifies significantly.
Express News | IEA Monthly Report: Global oil supply is expected to fall short of demand by 1.27 million barrels per day in 2026 (previously projected at a shortfall of 0.86 million barrels per day).
Is Hormuz still hard to 'restart'? Iran says it will not reopen the strait unless its conditions are met, and U.S. forces are reportedly firing on vessels linked to Iran.
An advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader stated that the Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened until Iran's conditions are met. The newly appointed secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council said the strait will remain closed unless the United States changes its behavior and accepts Iran's terms. According to Iranian media, Iran's Interior Minister arrived in Tehran on Tuesday for talks with Iranian officials. U.S. media reported that American officials stated U.S. forces fired upon a vessel attempting to breach the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. It was also reported that a container ship was attacked in the Gulf of Oman. Trump said the United States has three 'strategies' toward Iran: monitoring the extent of its deteriorating situation, launching a strong strike against it, and applying economic pressure. Updates to follow.
Express News | Iranian Officials: Strait of Hormuz Will Not Reopen Until Iran's Conditions Are Met
On the 11th, Mohsen Mohabbat, advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, stated on social media that the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until Iran’s conditions are met. (Xinhua News Agency)
GTJA HK Connect Active Trading | August 11
Stock Connect Active Trading | August 11, 2026
Oil Outlook Damps Asian Stock Marlets
Asian stock markets waffled lower Tuesday, as traders weighed the lengthening impasse regarding an opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and rising oil prices.Hong Kong and Shanghai finished in the red,
Hong Kong Stocks: Hang Seng Index Closes Near Session Lows, Down 284 Points; Heavy Selling Pressure on New Economy, Gold-Related, and Auto Stocks; Oil Stocks Advance
The three major U.S. equity indices declined, with losses ranging from 0.1% to 0.3%, as investors awaited this week’s U.S. inflation data and developments in the Middle East. The Hang Seng Index opened 61 points higher today, briefly reclaiming the 26,000 mark in early trading before quickly reversing course and closing near its session low at 25,652.82 points, down 284.67 points or 1.10%. Total market turnover amounted to HK$210.94 billion. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index closed at 8,528.10 points, down 93.74 points or 1.09%, with turnover of HK$61.86 billion. The Hang Seng Tech Index ended at 4,824.42 points, down 95.04 points or 1.93%.
Hong Kong Market Close | Tech Index Drops Nearly 2% as Fed's Hawkish Signal Disrupts Gold Stocks
① Why has the recent performance of pharmaceutical stocks repeatedly drawn market attention? ② What is driving today's rise in oil prices?
For the first time since 1983! U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve falls below 300 million barrels; crude oil prices surge more than 4% intraday.
The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) hit a new low last week, falling below 300 million barrels for the first time since 1983. According to data from the U.S. Department of Energy, as of the week ending August 7, the SPR declined by approximately 6.1 million barrels to 298.3 million barrels—breaking through the 300-million-barrel mark and reaching its lowest level since 1983, drawing closer to the all-time low of around 270 million barrels recorded in April 1982. Following the release of this SPR data, international oil prices extended their gains. During the late morning session of U.S. stock trading, U.S. WTI crude oil futures briefly rose above $81.30 per barrel, while Brent crude climbed above $86.90 per barrel during the day.
Express News | Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: Reopening the Strait of Hormuz Requires the U.S. to Lift Blockade and Provide Compensation
On August 10, the spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that reopening the Strait of Hormuz requires the United States to lift its blockade and provide compensation; the agreement reached with Oman on the Strait of Hormuz includes maritime service fees.
Iran and Oman have clarified the overall framework of their agreement, while Iran is considering banning vessels linked to the U.S. and Israel from passing through its waters; however, Trump stated that negotiations have 'made progress.'
U.S. officials recently stated that the United States would lift its blockade on Iranian ports once an agreement to restore unimpeded commercial shipping is announced. Senior Iranian officials said that if Gulf states fail to persuade Trump to halt military actions against Iran and instead resolve the conflict through negotiations, Iran would strike critical infrastructure—including oil, electricity, and water supply systems—in those countries.
Express News | U.S. officials said that Oman and Iran have made progress in their negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz and expect an agreement to be reached soon.
U.S. and Brent crude oil prices dipped in the short term after U.S. officials said that Oman and Iran have made progress in negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz and are expected to reach an agreement soon.
Express News | Iran Plans to Tighten Transit Rules in the Strait of Hormuz
According to Iran's Fars News Agency, the Iranian parliament is reviewing a draft bill that would strengthen regulations governing transit through the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf. Key proposals include: prohibiting vessels linked to the United States, Israel, and other hostile countries from passing through; restricting the transport of military and civilian cargo associated with Israel; limiting vessel traffic connected to operations targeting the 'Axis of Resistance'; and denying navigation access to entities obligated to pay compensation to Iran. Violations would be subject to fines of up to 20% of the cargo’s value. The proposal is still under review and has not yet been approved.