The prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz is causing a rapid decline in global crude oil inventories, raising concerns that international oil prices could rise to between $130 and $140 per barrel. While private storage facilities and strategic reserve releases had previously mitigated price increases, the depletion of reserves is weakening the market's buffer capacity. Experts predict that it will take 2-3 months for normal operations to resume even after the Strait of Hormuz is reopened, fueling concerns about energy security.