Brent crude rises above $100 a barrel as Middle East conflict escalates
Brent crude oil prices reached $108.15 and WTI climbed above $103.59 as Saudi Arabia shut down its East-West pipeline. Drone attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen caused the outage, disrupting a critical route used to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. The energy crisis deepened as the Houthis also captured a strategic island in the Bab al-Mandab strait. Market volatility increased further after Oman postponed talks between the GCC and Iran. Approximately 10 million barrels a day remain shut in according to Trading News.
What changed
Brent crude rose from $101 to $108.15 following drone attacks on the Saudi East-West pipeline and Houthi seizure of a strategic island.
Live updates
-
Brent Crude Tops $108 Following Saudi Pipeline Shutdown
Brent crude oil prices reached $108.15 and WTI climbed above $103.59 as Saudi Arabia shut down its East-West pipeline. Drone attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen caused the outage, disrupting a critical route used to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. The energy crisis deepened as the Houthis also captured a strategic island in the Bab al-Mandab strait. Market volatility increased further after Oman postponed talks between the GCC and Iran. Approximately 10 million barrels a day remain shut in according to Trading News.
Why it matters
The East-West pipeline is a primary alternative for Saudi oil exports to avoid the volatile Strait of Hormuz. This shutdown coincides with a broader U.S.-Iran conflict and ongoing Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. These disruptions threaten global supply stability and exacerbate inflation.
What is confirmed
- Drone attacks forced the shutdown of Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline.
- Houthi rebels in Yemen targeted oil infrastructure and captured a strategic island in the Bab al-Mandab strait.
- Brent crude oil prices rose to $108.15.
Still unconfirmed
- 10 million barrels a day are currently shut in.
- The East-West pipeline capacity is 7 million barrels per day.
- Oman postponed GCC-Iran talks.
What to watch next
- Resumption of East-West pipeline operations
- Outcome of rescheduled GCC-Iran talks
- Further military movements in the Bab al-Mandab strait
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — Coronavirus Impact on Crude Oil Price
- uk.finance.yahoo.com — Oil Jumps as Shutdown of Saudi Pipeline Deepens Energy Crisis
- www.theguardian.com — Oil prices rise after drone attacks shut down Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline
- www.foxnews.com — US Air Force colonel shot down over Iran recounts 'modern-day miracle'
- www.tradingnews.com — Crude Rips To 4-Month Highs As The Bypass Line Stays Dark — 10M Barrels A Day Still Shut In
-
Brent crude tops $101 as Middle East conflict and gas attacks drive energy prices
Brent crude oil prices climbed above $101 per barrel on September 10, 2026, marking the highest level since July. Rising tensions in the Gulf and threats to supply routes have sparked inflation fears and pressured global markets. Simultaneously, energy costs rose across Europe, with British gas prices exceeding 200p per therm and European gas reaching its highest level since January 2023. These surges follow military escalations in the Middle East and Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian gas plants.
Why it matters
Energy stability is threatened by a combination of Middle East military strikes and Ukrainian attacks on Russian infrastructure. This volatility impacts global transport costs and consumer inflation. Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary warned that sustained fuel costs may force higher airfares later in the fiscal year.
What is confirmed
- Brent crude oil prices topped $101 per barrel.
- British gas prices exceeded 200p per therm, the highest since December 2022.
- European gas prices reached their highest levels since January 2023.
- Brent crude prices reached their highest level since July.
Still unconfirmed
- Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian gas plants contributed to price jumps.
What to watch next
- Reports on Houthi activity near the Bab el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz
- Updates on Russian gas plant operational status
- Ryanair airfare adjustments for the fiscal year
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.theguardian.com — Oil and gas prices jump amid Middle East escalation and Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian gas plants – business live
- cryptobriefing.com — Brent crude tops $101 as Middle East conflict escalates
- hdfcsky.com — Oil Prices Today, September 10, 2026: Brent Holds Above $100 As Middle East Conflict Raises Supply Concerns
- thesun.ng — Oil price surges above $100 as Middle East tensions threaten global supplies
- www.briefs.co — Ryanair CEO Says High Oil Could Push Airfares Higher
- www.sunsirs.com — SunSirs: Brent Crude Reclaims $100 Mark; Escalating Conflict and Tightening Supply-Demand Drive Prices to New Recent Highs
- uk.finance.yahoo.com — Oil Prices Could Top $120 as Middle East Conflict Escalates
-
Brent Crude Tops $100 a Barrel Amid Middle East Escalation
Brent crude oil prices have risen above $100 a barrel for the first time since July following a surge in Middle East conflict. The price increase follows tit-for-tat strikes between the U.S. and Iran, alongside Houthi attacks on Saudi cities and strikes targeting oil ships and facilities. Market volatility has caused U.S. Treasurys to weaken while stock futures remain steady. Investors are reacting to heightened concerns over global oil supply stability as the regional conflict intensifies.
Why it matters
Oil prices are highly sensitive to geopolitical stability in the Middle East, a primary global production hub. Sustained prices above $100 a barrel often trigger broader inflationary pressures and influence central bank interest rate decisions. This latest spike marks the first time the threshold has been crossed in nearly six weeks.
What is confirmed
- Brent crude oil prices have risen above $100 a barrel.
- The price increase follows escalating conflict in the Middle East.
- U.S. and Iran have engaged in tit-for-tat strikes.
Still unconfirmed
- Houthi attacks targeted Saudi cities.
- Attacks targeted oil facilities and ships.
- Brent crude rose by more than 3%.
What to watch next
- Further military responses between the U.S. and Iran
- Official reports on the extent of damage to oil facilities
- Changes in global oil supply forecasts
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (9)
- CNBC — Brent crude nears $100 a barrel as U.S.-Iran tit-for-tat strikes stoke supply worries
- reuters.com — Brent crude rises above $100 a barrel as Middle East conflict escalates
- CNN — Global oil prices hit $100 per barrel as Middle East conflict roils markets
- WSJ — U.S. Stock Futures Steady, Treasurys Weaken After Oil Tops $100
- Bloomberg.com — Asian Chip Stocks Set for Gains, Brent Nears $100: Markets Wrap
- www.usatoday.com — Brent crude rises above $100 a barrel as Middle East conflict intensifies
- www.theguardian.com — Oil prices rise above $100 a barrel for first time since July as Iran war escalates
- www.denverpost.com — Oil rises past $100 a barrel after the latest wave of Middle East attacks
- americanbazaaronline.com — Brent crude tops $100 a barrel as Middle East conflict escalates