[International Energy Agency: Record Reserve Oil to Be Immediately Released to Asian Markets, Europe and the U.S. Must Wait Until Late March] According to Jintou News, the International Energy Agency (IEA) issued a statement after receiving implementation plans from its member countries. The agency stated that as Asian buyers rush to fill the gap in oil supply caused by disruptions from the Middle East conflict, the oil from this record reserve release will be immediately directed to Asian markets. Oil destined for Europe and the Americas will not be released until late March. The IEA stated last week that the Middle East conflict has effectively blocked the critical Strait of Hormuz, leading to the most severe supply disruption in the history of the global oil market. Asian buyers, who are most dependent on oil supplies from the Middle East, are particularly affected, making the speed of the reserve release crucial for the region. IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol wrote on the X platform: 'This will bring an unprecedented additional supply of oil to the market starting from March 16. However, reopening the Strait of Hormuz is essential to restoring stable oil flows.' Globally, approximately 72% of the total oil pledged for release consists of crude oil, while 28% comprises petroleum products.