Crude oil prices moved higher on Friday as renewed attacks on tankers and a lack of progress toward a ceasefire between the United States and Iran kept supply concerns elevated. Brent crude settled up $1.45, or 1.67%, at $88.52 per barrel, while WTI gained $1.15, or 1.42%, to settle at $82.40 per barrel.
The Strait of Hormuz remained a primary focus for energy markets as shipping traffic continued to run well below normal levels. The waterway typically handles roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, and continued restrictions are raising concerns over the duration of Middle Eastern supply disruptions.
Tanker attacks added to the market’s geopolitical risk premium after two vessels operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company were attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Crude exports from Russia’s Sheskharis terminal at the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk were also suspended following a drone attack, adding another disruption to global oil flows.
Negotiations between the United States and Iran remained stalled, while the United States indicated that its naval blockade of Iran could continue indefinitely and that additional economic pressure could be imposed on Tehran. The lack of progress toward a ceasefire increased concerns that disruptions to regional energy supplies could persist.
Despite the geopolitical risks supporting prices, weaker demand expectations and the recent surge in U.S. crude inventories remain important counterweights. OPEC and the International Energy Agency have lowered their expectations for global oil demand growth, while U.S. commercial crude inventories posted their largest weekly increase in more than three years.
Brent and WTI are ending the week higher, with Brent up approximately 6.0% and WTI up 5.4%, as renewed shipping disruptions and stalled negotiations outweighed growing concerns over global demand and rising U.S. inventories.