Bitcoin Drops to $70,600 as Oil Surges 9.5% After US Announces Strait of Hormuz Blockade

Bitcoin went tumbling to $70,623 on April 13 2026. Global oil prices shot up more than 9.5% - all thanks to the escalating...

Quick overview

  • Bitcoin dropped to $70,623 on April 13, 2026, amid escalating global tensions and failed US-Iran diplomatic talks.
  • Global oil prices surged over 9.5%, with Brent crude exceeding $100 a barrel due to fears of supply disruptions.
  • The market is experiencing a risk-off sentiment, leading to declines in Bitcoin and stock futures while safe-haven assets rise.
  • Despite recent volatility, Bitcoin has gained approximately 7.4% since late February, indicating medium-term resilience.

Bitcoin went tumbling to $70,623 on April 13 2026. Global oil prices shot up more than 9.5% – all thanks to the escalating global tensions. Diplomatic talks between the US & Iran had collapsed over the weekend, prompting a very sharp risk off sell of across the markets.

At the moment that we write this , Bitcoin is hovering around $70,700 to $71,000 – a drop of around 1.9% – and as low as $70,623 at one point. Brent crude spiked above $100 a barrel within minutes of the session kicking off – reflecting the fear that the blockage of the key chokepoint could cause supply disruption and send shockwaves through the global energy market – given it handles a fifth of global oil flows.

Why the Markets Are Freaking Out

  • Blocked in Stalemate: High-level talks between the US & Iran in Islamabad failed to make any progress , and suddenly President Trump ordered the ports and coastal areas in Iran to be blockaded. While non-Iranian vessels are probably still being allowed to transit the strait, it’s raising all sorts of concerns over shipping delays, insurance costs & potential energy supply shocks.
  • Risk Off Panic: The escalation set off a classic risk off move. Bitcoin and stock futures are getting hammered , while oil and safe-haven assets are shooting up. Volatility indexes are climbing everywhere – in commodities and digital assets.
  • Inflation Jitters Are Back: The oil price spike is adding to inflation pressures that have already been creeping into recent CPI data. Now markets are getting spooked by a renewed fear of sticky energy-driven inflation that could complicate the Fed’s job – and really weigh on growth expectations.

Bitcoin’s Short-Term Tilt

Despite the pull back, Bitcoin has still gained around 7.4% since late Feb when the conflict really hit. Now this suggests that it’s still looking pretty resilient medium-term – even when the short-term volatility spikes.

However it’s still hanging out with risk assets during those sudden liquidity shocks – and that’s causing Bitcoin to get hammered alongside equities when uncertainty starts rising.

Bitcoin (BTC/USD) Technical Analysis

On the 4H chart Bitcoin has just broken down below its ascending channel – so it’s signaling a shift from looking pretty bullish to being a bit corrective. Now it’s testing that $70,600 support zone which is the Fib + a horizontal level after that nice rejection of $73,800-$74,000 resistance at the 1.272 Fib.

BTC/USD Price Chart - Source: Tradingview
BTC/USD Price Chart – Source: Tradingview

The 200 EMA at $69,800 is the next key dynamic support. RSI is down at 40-45 – showing that the previous bullish momentum is starting to fade – but is also approaching oversold territory.

Key Levels:

  • Resistance: $72,000 → $73,800 → $76,100
  • Support: $70,600 → $69,800 → $68,700

Forecast: Bearish below $72,000 – aiming for $69,800 and $68,700 … while a very strong reclaim above $72,000 would turn the sentiment back to looking quite bullish again and could open up the possibility of a retest of $73,800.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR See More
Arslan Butt
Lead Markets Analyst – Multi-Asset (FX, Commodities, Crypto)
Arslan Butt serves as the Lead Commodities and Indices Analyst, bringing a wealth of expertise to the field. With an MBA in Behavioral Finance and active progress towards a Ph.D., Arslan possesses a deep understanding of market dynamics. His professional journey includes a significant role as a senior analyst at a leading brokerage firm, complementing his extensive experience as a market analyst and day trader. Adept in educating others, Arslan has a commendable track record as an instructor and public speaker. His incisive analyses, particularly within the realms of cryptocurrency and forex markets, are showcased across esteemed financial publications such as ForexCrunch, InsideBitcoins, and EconomyWatch, solidifying his reputation in the financial community.

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