
Brent and WTI futures rise despite initial losses as energy markets react to geopolitical developments and hurricane threats
AI-generated summary
The article discusses the intersection of the Russia-Ukraine war, Middle East regional conflicts, and U.S. energy production challenges during Hurricane Isaias.
Oil prices reversed initial losses early Monday, despite the potential for improved supplies after U.S. President Donald Trump declared an "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine.
Futures for international benchmark Brent crude for December delivery rose 0.92% $105.68 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures for November ticked 0.95% higher to $92.72 per barrel. Prices on both benchmarks had fallen by around 1.5% earlier in the session.
"Effective immediately, there is an ENERGY CEASEFIRE in the War between Russia and Ukraine. Both parties have agreed. Do not break it!" Trump said in a social media statement Sunday stateside.
Oil reversed its losses after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed such a ceasefire, but warned Monday that Moscow must do the same.
Prospects of more Russian energy hitting markets after a deal with the U.S. have also risen after Trump said Friday that Moscow will supply more than 4 million tons of diesel to the global market under a deal he struck with Putin during a phone call.
Elsewhere early on Monday, the Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis said it was dealing with another round of drones and missiles attacks directed at Saudi Arabia.
Oil prices are expected to remain volatile in the near term as the U.S.-Iran conflict continues, while the impact of Hurricane Isaias on U.S. energy producers could also hurt supplies.
"The pressure on oil prices could remain on the upside as Hurricane Isaias strengthened to Category 3 with 120mph winds as it approached the US Gulf Coast, forcing energy producers to curtail offshore output," UOB said in a note on Monday.
"Separately, Houthi missile strikes on Saudi Arabia's Riyadh airport on Sat which killed 12 people and injured over 300, have materially elevated Middle East risk premia," UOB added.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Oil prices will remain volatile in the near term.
Likely · Within weeks

Oil prices declined Monday following President Trump's announcement of an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine and increased prospects of Russian diesel supplies, while Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and Hurricane Isaias threaten to disrupt supplies and maintain volatility.

President Trump announced a deal with Vladimir Putin to import Russian diesel to lower US fuel prices by easing sanctions. Experts and Ukrainian officials criticize the move as ineffective and a concession to Russia amid its ongoing war in Ukraine.

President Trump announced an agreement with Vladimir Putin to import Russian diesel to lower US fuel costs before midterms. Analysts and Ukraine officials criticize the deal, questioning Russia's supply capacity and the moral implications amid ongoing sanctions.

Hurricane Isaias is disrupting U.S. crude oil production in the Gulf of Mexico, shutting in 63% of offshore output and threatening refining capacity in Mississippi and Alabama as global fuel markets face tight supplies.

Crude oil prices rose by nearly 4% as attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and Hurricane Isaias in the Gulf of Mexico disrupted supply. Offshore production in the Gulf has been reduced by 25% while geopolitical tensions with Iran escalate.

Oil prices surged over 5% on Thursday as markets react to reports that the U.S. is considering military operations against Iran. Brent crude reached $105.36 and WTI hit $92.75 amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and threats to Gulf export routes.