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Oil prices fall more than 5% after Trump pauses strikes on Iran

Oil prices

LONDON: Global oil prices fell by more than 5% after US President Donald Trump announced a pause in military strikes against Iran, easing concerns over potential disruptions to global crude supplies.

According to Reuters, the announcement followed nearly two weeks of US military operations targeting Iran and prompted investors to scale back fears of a broader regional conflict affecting energy markets.

Brent crude dropped $5.58, or 5.77%, to $91.20 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell $4.91, or 5.50%, to $84.40 per barrel.

Market analysts said expectations of reduced tensions between the United States and Iran, along with hopes for a diplomatic resolution, helped ease concerns over oil supply disruptions, leading to the sharp decline in prices.

US media reported that Trump ordered a halt to military operations after 13 days of strikes. It remains unclear whether the pause is temporary or marks the beginning of a broader ceasefire.

Oil prices fluctuate as Brent trades at $71 a barrel

Oil prices

LONDON: Global oil prices fluctuated Monday, with Brent crude trading at about $71 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude hovering near $68 per barrel, according to market data.

UAE Murban crude was trading at approximately $66 per barrel.

Asian stock markets posted mixed results during the trading session, with gains in some markets offset by losses in others as investors assessed global economic and market conditions.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s stock market rallied sharply on strong investor sentiment. The benchmark KSE-100 gained 2,082 points to close at 187,454, extending recent gains in the market.

Oil prices surge after reports of Strait of Hormuz blockade

Oil prices

Global oil markets witnessed a sharp rise following reports of a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies.

The price of Brent crude jumped by $7, crossing $102 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose by around $6.5 to reach $103 per barrel.

Shipping costs in the Gulf region also surged significantly, with insurance premiums for vessels increasing by as much as 1,000%.

Reports indicate that a tanker carrying oil worth $150 million would now require approximately $7.5 million in insurance premiums.

Meanwhile, global demand for alternative energy sources is rising. China has taken a lead in this sector, with exports from Chinese renewable energy companies increasing by 57%.

On the other hand, OPEC has expressed concerns that global oil demand could decline amid shifting energy trends.