Brent crude rises above $100 a barrel as West Asia conflict escalates
Brent crude oil prices surpassed $100 a barrel due to escalating conflict in West Asia and attacks on Saudi energy facilities. The rise reflects market fears regarding supply disruptions in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.
Why it matters
Rising oil prices have significant implications for global inflation and energy security during geopolitical instability.
Benchmark Brent crude oil futures rose past $100 a barrel on Wednesday (September 9, 2026), breaching the symbolic barrier for the first time since July 24 as intensifying conflict in West Asia fuelled growing concern about oil flows from the region.
Brent crude futures rose $2.15, or 2.2%, to $100.07 a barrel by 0721 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was up $1.70, or 1.83%, at $94.73 a barrel.
Brent crude prices have risen by a quarter since early last month as hopes fade for a permanent resolution to the six-month-old U.S.-Iran conflict.
This week, attacks by Iran-backed Houthis on Saudi energy facilities set oil installations ablaze, threatening a significant expansion of the conflict.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in