Geopolitical tensions across the Middle East are shaking up global energy markets, and some investors are moving fast to capture opportunities in the chaos. One of them is Prateek Suri.
Suri, Chairman of Maser Group and widely recognized as Africa’s richest Indian, has put $150 million into oil trading through the group’s African subsidiary. The goal: ride the volatility in crude markets that’s being driven by instability across the region.
People familiar with the move say the capital is sitting as a strategic reserve, ready to deploy when prices swing on geopolitical news.
Energy markets are on edge right now, especially around the Strait of Hormuz—a narrow waterway that carries nearly a fifth of the world’s oil supply. Any disruption there, even a perceived threat, can send crude prices jumping in either direction.
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Traders know these moments well. Geopolitical uncertainty often creates wild price swings in commodities, and that’s exactly when some investors jump in, looking to profit from short-term volatility.
Sources close to the strategy say the capital could go into spot oil trading and short-term commodity positions—a corner of the market that often involves margin-based trading.
But analysts are quick to point out the risks. Spot trading is one of the most aggressive plays in commodities. You’re exposed directly to price movements, and when you’re using margin, even small shifts can amplify your gains or losses fast.
If the market moves against you, your margin capital can disappear quickly. When that happens, traders have to inject more money to keep their positions open—what’s known as meeting margin calls. In other words, you might end up needing to put in a lot more than you planned if things go south.
So while volatility can mean big profits, it can also mean rapid losses if the market turns. Still, some investors see these chaotic periods as exactly the right time to make bold moves.
Ben Chia, Venture Director at MDR Investments, which works closely with the group’s investment activities, said risk is just part of the game in global commodities.
“Energy markets are entering an unusually volatile phase, and traders understand both the opportunity and the risk,” Chia said. “But as the old saying goes, if there is no risk, there is no reward.”
Energy market specialists say geopolitical crises have always drawn speculative money into oil. Investors try to benefit from sudden supply fears or shipping disruptions.
An energy markets expert at Goldman Sachs pointed out that while these events can create real trading opportunities, leveraged spot oil trading is still one of the most volatile corners of finance.
“During periods of geopolitical stress, crude prices can move very quickly,” the expert said. “But leveraged trading strategies in oil markets require disciplined risk management, as sharp reversals can occur without warning.”
For Suri, this move shows he’s willing to play in one of the most unpredictable markets out there—where big price swings mean big potential profits, but also serious risk on the downside.
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