Hong Kong Stocks Surge: Oil Sector Gains Momentum as Middle East Tensions and US Reserve Drop Fuel Price Rally

CNOOC Ltd (00883) shares rose 2.64% to HK$24.12, while PetroChina Co Ltd (00857) gained 1.81% to HK$10.11, as oil stocks continued their upward trajectory in Hong Kong trading.

KUNLUN ENERGY (00135) advanced 1.39% to HK$7.31, and SINOPEC CORP (00386) edged up 0.91% to HK$4.44, reflecting broad-based strength in the energy sector.

The rally follows escalating US-Iran tensions, which show signs of spreading to neighboring regions. Meanwhile, the latest EIA data revealed a sharp 7.2 million barrel decline in commercial crude oil inventories last week, alongside a 3.8 million barrel drop in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to 307.7 million barrels—the lowest level in over 40 years.

As the Strait of Hormuz situation remains volatile, concerns are rising over whether the US can maintain its role as a global energy stabilizer. A report from a leading financial institution indicates that the "Big Three" oil companies could significantly benefit from higher oil prices, estimating that if the price benchmark rises from $85 to $100 per barrel, PetroChina's oil production business profit could increase by approximately 28 billion yuan, SINOPEC CORP's operations could see a 4.5 billion yuan boost, and CNOOC's net profit attributable to shareholders could be enhanced by about 24 billion yuan.