Oil prices continue to climb, hitting their highest level in nearly 2 years
CBSN
The price of oil continued to surge on Friday amid growing concerns that the Iran war will disrupt global crude supplies. Edited by Alain Sherter In:
The price of oil continued to surge on Friday amid growing concerns that the Iran war will disrupt global crude supplies.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the U.S. oil benchmark, rose 6.8% to $86.57 per barrel on Friday morning, according to data from Factset. Brent crude, the international benchmark, jumped 4.7% to $89.44. Both were trading near their highest levels since April 2024.
Crude prices have surged this week as the Iran conflict halts shipments of oil and liquefied natural gas through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. About 20% of global oil shipments normally travel through the waterway.
"The market is shifting from pricing pure geopolitical risk to grappling with tangible operational disruption, as refinery shutdowns and export constraints begin to impair crude processing and regional supply flows," JPMorgan analysts said in a report on Friday.
Qatar's energy minister suggested that all Gulf energy exporters may shut down production within days, which could drive Brent crude to $150 a barrel, the Financial Times reported.













