Energy shares in Hong Kong saw intensified selling pressure.

At the time of writing, PetroChina Co Ltd (HKG: 00857) was down 4.44% at HK$8.40. CNOOC Ltd (HKG: 00883) fell 4.08% to HK$20.22. China Oilfield Services Ltd (HKG: 02883) declined 2.69% to HK$6.15. SINOPEC CORP (HKG: 00386) dropped 1.96% to HK$4.00.

The downward move follows a recent report from Morgan Stanley, which revised its Brent crude oil price forecasts lower. The bank cited factors including a faster-than-anticipated reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Specifically, its forecast for the third quarter of 2026 was cut by $15 to $75 per barrel. The Q4 2026 forecast was lowered by $5 to $75. For the first and second quarters of 2027, the forecast was reduced by $5 to $75. For the third and fourth quarters of 2027, the estimate was trimmed by $10 to $70 per barrel.

Separately, Ping An Securities noted that while short-term U.S.-Iran negotiations involve ongoing contention and periodic escalation of conflict, the overall trajectory for Middle East geopolitical risks is downward. The firm suggested Brent crude prices may oscillate around $80 per barrel.

Facing significant volatility in international oil prices, domestic Chinese oil companies have mitigated the sensitivity of their performance to price swings through integrated upstream and downstream operations and diversification of oil and gas sources. They are also accelerating investments in the development of domestic offshore oil and gas resources to reduce dependence on external energy supplies.