On the 16th, during trading hours, refinery-related stocks rose across the board, drawing investors' attention. The upward trend continued as expectations for an industry recovery spread amid somewhat stabilized international oil price volatility.

As of the afternoon, GS was trading at 78,900 won, up 3,300 won (4.37%) from the previous trading day. During the session, it rose to as high as 79,400 won, recording the sharpest gain among refinery stocks. Heungkuk Oil also showed strength, trading at 11,380 won, up 310 won (2.80%), with buying interest flowing in as it climbed to 11,500 won intraday.

Korea Shell Oil recorded 509,000 won, up 2.21%, while S-Oil stood at 114,700 won, up 0.88%. Geumdong Oil Chemical and Michang Oil also posted modest gains, maintaining a steady trend, and SK Innovation also rose 0.35% to 113,100 won.

Investor sentiment in the refining industry is being driven by recent international oil price trends and refining margin movements. Some analysts suggest that if expectations for improved refining margins persist even as crude oil prices fluctuate sharply, the potential for an earnings recovery could come to the forefront.

The market believes that attention toward the broader energy sector continues as expectations for easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and a global economic recovery coincide. In particular, the projected increase in energy demand during the summer season and the potential expansion of jet fuel and diesel consumption are also cited as positive factors for the industry.

Securities firms forecast that the future direction of international oil prices, refining margin trends, and the pace of global demand recovery will act as key variables for refinery stock prices. If expectations for an industry earnings recovery are maintained, investor interest in related stocks is expected to persist as well.

[※ This article was written with the assistance of an artificial intelligence (AI) analysis tool, and the final content was provided after an editorial process. The content included in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a buy or sell recommendation for any specific stock or financial product. Investment decisions and the resulting responsibilities lie entirely with the investor. Actual results may vary depending on market conditions.]