The global oil market is currently facing unprecedented upheaval, as the world grapples with the largest supply loss in history. This situation is not merely a passing trend; it is three times greater than the infamous 1973 Arab oil embargo. The ramifications are felt across continents, but perhaps nowhere more acutely than in Asia, where jet fuel shortages have triggered surging prices. As regions scramble to secure this essential commodity, the cost of Asian jet fuel has skyrocketed to an alarming $225 per barrel, while Singapore jet fuel stands perilously close at $221. These figures aren’t just numbers; they represent the highest prices ever recorded for petroleum products in history. Meanwhile, in Shanghai, oil prices have also surged, reaching $98.5 per barrel.

As the crisis unfolds, the geopolitical landscape plays a crucial role in shaping market dynamics. Analysts are speculating about the motivations behind certain actions in the international arena. For instance, some suggest that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s strategies may not solely focus on military endeavors, such as taking over Iran. Instead, there’s a theory that his real objective could be to strategically weaken the economies of key regions, including Europe, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. This can ignite discussions about how political maneuvers intertwine with global supply chains and energy markets.

The consequences of this soaring oil prices and jet fuel scarcity extend far beyond immediate cost increases. They exert tremendous pressure on global economies, particularly as energy costs represent a significant portion of operational expenses for businesses. Consumers are feeling the pinch as well; households are adjusting budgets in anticipation of higher energy bills. In response to this volatile climate, there is a palpable shift towards alternative energy sources. Solar, wind, and other renewable energies are increasingly seen not just as environmentally friendly options but as pragmatic solutions to counteract the rising costs and uncertainties associated with fossil fuels.

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The thing with stock market crashes is nobody really knows when the next one is coming. But for most investors, this is nothing to be afraid of.

Being ready for a stock market crash is a vital part of being a good investor. It’s probably easier than you might think. Preparing yourself and your portfolio can help ease the anxiety associated with market downturns.

Currently, conflict in the Middle East has been making share prices volatile. The situation is fast-moving, and the chance of a significant event occurring suddenly is impossible to rule out. This unpredictability adds an extra layer of complexity for investors.

As such, oil and gas prices are on the rise due to supply concerns. A potential escalation in military actions in the Strait of Hormuz could exacerbate this issue. Being aware of these geopolitical factors can help investors make informed decisions.

There’s also a possibility that the situation might resolve itself relatively swiftly. If that occurs, prices could normalize, and investors could shift their focus back to tech innovations like AI, which have been capturing a lot of attention lately.

Predicting what happens next in a turbulent market is no easy feat. Yet, the key is to build a portfolio that can withstand various outcomes. Diversification becomes essential here; a well-rounded portfolio can help mitigate risks and provide stability.

Timing a stock market crash perfectly is nearly impossible. Even so, buying at the bottom of a market downturn historically leads to outstanding long-term returns. Unfortunately, many investors only realize they were at the bottom after it’s too late to capitalize on it.

The good news is that profiting from falling share prices does not require pinpoint timing. Investors can still do remarkably well if they act a little early or even a bit late. For example, during the pandemic, the FTSE 100 fell 30% in just a month. Remarkably, investors who purchased shares at what they believed was the worst time—a month before the crash—still managed a 76% return over six years.

Even if they missed the actual lowest point, that translates to an impressive compound return of about 10% per year. This demonstrates that investors don’t need to get the timing right to reap the benefits of lower share prices.

One stock that has caught my attention is Bunzl (LSE:BNZL). Although it faced challenges in 2025, with earnings per share down 7.7% due to a tough trading environment in the U.S., it presents interesting considerations for potential investment.

If geopolitical tensions escalate, the company could face even more hurdles in its largest market. This risk is something any potential investor must weigh carefully.

Nonetheless, the company has significant long-term advantages: its scale allows for a broader product range and faster, more reliable delivery than its competitors. This reliability can be vital, especially in uncertain times.

At first glance, the stock doesn’t appear overly priced. After a decline last year, Bunzl reported £579 million in free cash flows, which equates to an 8% return on its market capitalization of £7.08 billion. It’s vital to analyze these figures to gauge the stock’s potential for recovery.

Being a successful investor is not about trying to forecast stock market movements with precision. This reality serves as a comfort for many, as very few can reliably make such predictions. The focus should be on creating a resilient investment strategy that can handle market fluctuations—after all, preparation often outweighs prediction.