Brent Crude Stays Above $100 as Shipping Disruptions Deepen

News 09:59 AM - 2026-09-10

Oil prices.

Oil prices remained elevated on Thursday, 10 September 2026, with Brent crude holding above $100 a barrel as escalating attacks on shipping raised concerns over further disruptions to global energy supplies.

Brent crude futures fell 0.7% to around $100.50 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slipped 0.5% to $95.58 a barrel in early trading. Despite the declines, Brent remained above the $100 mark after breaking through the level on Wednesday for the first time since July.

The latest movements came as tensions between Iran and the United States intensified, with both sides carrying out their largest wave of attacks on shipping since the conflict began six months ago.

Iran said on Wednesday that it had attacked 10 ships near the Strait of Hormuz after the United States sank five Iranian oil tankers. The developments have heightened concerns over the security of one of the world’s most important energy routes.

The Strait of Hormuz previously carried roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies, but traffic through the waterway has fallen significantly since the conflict began. Only seven vessels transited the strait on Wednesday, according to preliminary ship-tracking data cited by Reuters.

Oil supplies are also facing pressure from disruptions to alternative export routes. Iran-aligned Houthi forces have intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia, threatening crude shipments through the Red Sea and adding to concerns over energy infrastructure in the Gulf.

Brent has risen by nearly 30% from its early-August lows as hopes of a lasting ceasefire between the United States and Iran have faded and fighting has resumed.

Analysts say the future direction of prices will depend partly on developments in China, the world’s largest crude importer. Increased Chinese purchases in recent weeks have supported physical oil markets, while a slowdown in demand could help limit further price increases.

With tensions continuing across key oil-producing and shipping regions, markets remain focused on the security of the Strait of Hormuz and the potential for further disruption to global crude supplies.


PUKMEDIA