Goldman Sachs stated that due to ongoing shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, it now expects the average price of Brent crude oil to reach $85 per barrel this year, up from a previous forecast of $77. Analysts at Goldman Sachs have also raised their average price forecast for WTI crude in 2026 from $72 per barrel to $79. The firm anticipates that natural gas shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz will be only 5% of normal levels and persist for six weeks before gradually recovering over a one-month period. Furthermore, risks associated with highly concentrated production and idle capacity could lead to a structural increase in strategic reserves and drive up long-term oil prices. Analysts indicated that in the short term, "the market may require a rising risk premium to trigger precautionary demand contraction." Under a so-called risk scenario, if natural gas shipments via the Strait of Hormuz remain at 5% of normal levels for 10 consecutive weeks, daily Brent crude prices would likely surpass the record high set in 2008. It is noteworthy that Brent crude reached $147.50 per barrel in July 2008. Goldman Sachs analysts also noted that oil prices face downside risks, as "the U.S. could end military operations at any time, which might reduce the risk premium."