Brent Oil Hits $110 as 18 Vessel Attacks Fuel Middle East Supply Fears

Brent crude prices climbed toward a five-month high on Tuesday as renewed Middle East tensions and reports of attacks on commercial vessels increased concerns about global oil supplies. Brent futures rose 0.50% to $110.10 a barrel, after touching $110.70 in the previous session, the highest level since May 20. U.S. crude benchmarks also advanced, reflecting a market increasingly focused on potential supply disruptions rather than the prospect of additional Russian energy exports.

Middle East Tensions Lift Oil Prices

The international benchmark, Brent crude futures, gained 55 cents to $110.10 a barrel by 0319 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for November delivery rose 0.24% to $103.91 ahead of its Tuesday expiration. The more actively traded December WTI contract advanced 0.40% to $98.93.

The gains reflect a geopolitical risk premium: the additional amount traders are willing to pay because conflict could interrupt production, transportation or exports. ING analysts said prices remained supported by uncertainty, although the premium could gradually diminish if oil shipments continued without disruption.

Shipping intelligence provider Kpler reported that at least 18 vessels had been attacked over two weeks, reinforcing concerns about maritime security across the Gulf region.

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group said Monday it had targeted Saudi energy, airport and military facilities, including an Aramco site in Yanbu, the Shaybah oilfield, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha airport. Saudi authorities had not immediately confirmed the claims, and Reuters could not independently verify them.

A separate Houthi attack on a government security forces training camp in Yemen’s Shabwa province reportedly killed 58 people and injured more than 200, adding to regional instability.

Russian Supply and U.S. Inventories

Potential changes in Russian energy exports provide a counterweight to Middle East supply concerns. U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order waiving certain Russia-related energy sanctions and tariffs, but he subsequently indicated that a final decision had not been announced. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said officials needed additional time to assess the situation.

According to the International Energy Agency, Russian crude production increased by 65,000 barrels per day in September to 8.43 million barrels per day. Output nevertheless remained approximately 870,000 barrels per day below its year-earlier level.

Meanwhile, a preliminary Reuters poll indicated that U.S. crude inventories and refined-product stockpiles were expected to have declined in the latest reporting week. Official data from the Energy Information Administration will help traders assess whether domestic supply conditions are tightening.

Key market indicators include:

• Brent crude: $110.10 a barrel, up 0.50%.
• November WTI: $103.91, up 0.24%.
• December WTI: $98.93, up 0.40%.
• Russian crude production: 8.43 million barrels per day in September.

Conclusion

Brent crude’s near-term direction will depend on whether geopolitical tensions translate into measurable supply disruptions. Continued attacks on shipping or energy infrastructure could sustain prices above $100, while uninterrupted oil flows and increased Russian exports could weaken the risk premium. Traders will watch developments around Saudi facilities, Gulf shipping routes and U.S. inventory data for clearer signals about the balance between supply risks and potential relief.