Mar 20 • 10:00 UTC 🇳🇴 Norway Aftenposten

Oil prices fluctuate – back above 110 dollars

Oil prices have seen significant fluctuations due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, with brent spot prices currently at 111 dollars per barrel.

Since the onset of the Middle Eastern conflicts, oil and gas prices have experienced dramatic variations, particularly due to interruptions in maritime transport through the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on oil and gas infrastructure. As of Friday morning, brent spot prices have risen to 111 dollars per barrel, representing an increase of 3.3% for the day. This increase comes after a volatile Thursday, where significant price rises were quickly followed by a downturn later in the day.

Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank, highlighted the current tension in the market, stating that the conditions indicate a still-tight oil market. He noted that a rapid decline in energy prices seems unlikely, as production has already been adversely affected by the ongoing geopolitical conflicts. This sentiment reflects the uncertainty in global markets as they react to news and updates from the volatile region.

The surge in prices was initially sparked by a series of attacks in the Middle East, including assaults on Iran's South Pars gas field, which prompted retaliatory actions, such as an assault on the Ras Laffan gas complex in Qatar. These developments underscore the intertwined nature of regional conflicts and global energy prices, making the current situation critical for both producers and consumers.

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