Finance1 min read

Oil prices cross $115 per barrel as Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia stoke supply fears

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Recent strikes claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels targeted critical Saudi refining facilities in Ras Tanura, Rabigh, and Abqaiq, propelling crude benchmarks toward their fourth straight monthly advance. Maritime security in the Gulf deteriorated further after sea mines triggered fires and explosions on three tankers navigating south of the Strait of Hormuz. In response to mounting instability, energy heavyweights ExxonMobil and Chevron withdrew leadership from an upcoming trade event in the United Arab Emirates. Diplomatic attempts to de-escalate tensions remain stalled as Tehran has not answered recent American correspondence.

Key points

  • Energy benchmarks are on track to secure their fourth consecutive monthly increase, with…: Energy benchmarks are on track to secure their fourth consecutive monthly increase, with October gains nearing fifteen percent.
  • Houthi claims of strikes against Saudi Aramco operations in Abqaiq, Rabigh, and Ras Tanur…: Houthi claims of strikes against Saudi Aramco operations in Abqaiq, Rabigh, and Ras Tanura have intensified market supply anxieties.
  • Informal communications regarding medical supplies between Washington and Tehran have thu…: Informal communications regarding medical supplies between Washington and Tehran have thus far failed to restart broader regional peace talks.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Crude oil prices continued their upward march on Friday, with Brent crossing $115 a barrel as attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure and mounting risks to shipping in the Gulf heightened fears of supply disruptions. The benchmarks were also heading for their fourth consecutive monthly rise, with US crude poised to settle above $100 for the first time since April.

Brent futures gained 86 cents, or 0.75 per cent, to $115.74 a barrel by 0122 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 72 cents, or 0.71 per cent, to $102.72.

Brent was on course for a nearly 14 per cent gain in October, while WTI was set to jump around 15 per cent. Both were heading for their sharpest monthly increases since July.

The latest escalation came on Thursday, when Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group claimed attacks on key Saudi oil installations, including the Ras Tanura and Rabigh refineries and an Aramco facility in Abqaiq. A Saudi-led coalition separately reported intercepting a cruise missile launched towards the kingdom’s western region.

The developments have heightened concerns over the security of energy infrastructure…

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