Brent Nears $120 and WTI Jumps Above $110

Oil prices surged sharply as markets opened Monday, with U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude jumping more than 21% to reach $110.99 per barrel. Brent crude also rallied strongly, trading above $104 after briefly approaching $120 earlier in the session. The surge pushed global oil benchmarks back above the $100 mark for the first time since 2022.

Source: Trading Economics

Energy markets reacted quickly to escalating conflict in the Middle East. Traders watched developments closely as attacks on energy infrastructure intensified and tanker movement slowed through the Strait of Hormuz. That narrow waterway carries roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments, and when disruption hits that route, markets notice immediately.

Oil has now climbed about 65% since the United States-Iran conflict began. That kind of move rarely occurs without serious supply concerns. So the question naturally emerges: how long can the market absorb this level of disruption?

Strait Of Hormuz Disruption Sends Shockwaves

Shipping restrictions across the Strait of Hormuz triggered immediate supply concerns. Tanker traffic slowed sharply as security risks increased, leaving exports backed up across major oil-producing countries. As per WSJ, the closure has triggered the worst global energy crisis since the 1970s.

Storage facilities across the region began filling quickly. As a result, several producers started reducing output while they worked through logistical bottlenecks. Saudi Arabia reportedly initiated production cuts, with the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iraq following similar steps.

Oil depots inside Iran also came under attack during recent strikes. Energy infrastructure quickly became a focal point of the conflict, and markets reacted to every new headline.

Analysts Warn Of Uncharted Territory

Energy analysts say the situation lacks a clear historical comparison. Neil Atkinson, former head of oil markets at the International Energy Agency, described the current environment as unprecedented.

He noted that prolonged production shutdowns could push prices significantly higher. If shipments through the Strait of Hormuz remain restricted, global supply chains could face deeper stress. 

Energy markets also must factor in strategic responses from major economies. The Group of Seven nations have already discussed the potential release of emergency oil reserves to stabilize prices. Such measures have calmed markets in past crises. Still, traders remain cautious.

Oil demand continues across transportation, manufacturing, and power generation sectors. When supply tightens rapidly, prices adjust quickly. Markets now attempt to measure how severe the disruption could become.

Geopolitical Shifts Add Another Layer

The geopolitical landscape also shifted over the weekend. Iran’s leadership confirmed Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the country’s new supreme leader. The appointment places a hardline figure at the top of Iran’s political system.

Meanwhile, military exchanges continued across the region. Israeli strikes targeted Iranian oil facilities while Iranian forces launched retaliatory attacks against energy infrastructure and regional targets.

Each development feeds directly into market expectations. Oil prices respond not only to physical supply disruptions but also to geopolitical signals. Energy markets now remain on edge. Prices crossed $100 rapidly and briefly approached $120 within hours. Will supply stabilize soon, or does the next surge still lie ahead?