Brent crude holds near five-month high on Middle East tension

Oil prices advanced, with Brent hovering around a five-month high as traders priced in a geopolitical risk premium from Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure.

Brent crude holds near five-month high on Middle East tension

TL;DR

  • Brent crude futures neared a five-month high, trading around $110 a barrel.
  • Traders are incorporating a geopolitical risk premium due to Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure and Gulf vessels.
  • Houthi forces claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi energy sites, airports, and military targets.
  • A separate Houthi attack in Yemen resulted in numerous casualties.
  • US crude oil stockpiles are anticipated to have decreased.
  • Discussions are ongoing regarding the potential waiver of US sanctions on Russian energy purchases.