Oil prices resumed their advance this Wednesday, with Brent crude topping $106 per barrel. This rise comes in a context of intensifying hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, fueling concerns about potential disruptions to oil supplies in the Middle East.
An attack on the Saudi Aramco headquarters
On Tuesday, Yemen’s Houthi rebels carried out a missile attack against the headquarters of the oil giant Saudi Aramco, located in Dhahran, in eastern Saudi Arabia.
According to reports, the attack caused a fire in part of the complex.
The rebels had also targeted, over the weekend, the main airport in Riyadh, heightening security tensions in the kingdom.
Meanwhile, a coalition led by Saudi Arabia launched a military offensive aimed at retaking territories controlled by the rebels in Yemen.
Strait of Hormuz: attacks on oil tankers multiply
Tensions have also intensified in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime passage for global hydrocarbon trade.
According to reports, Tehran has intensified its attacks on oil tankers transiting through this sea lane, reinforcing concerns about the security of oil transport in the region.
For their part, the United States said it helped facilitate the passage of more than 19 million barrels of crude oil through this strategic strait.
This situation continues to fuel uncertainties in energy markets, which are particularly sensitive to the risk of disruptions to Middle Eastern oil flows.
Trump defends his deal with Russia on diesel exports
On the international energy front, U.S. President Donald Trump defended his deal with Russia regarding diesel exports.
According to his statements, the additional volumes planned under this agreement should be injected into the global market, thereby helping to ease tensions on fuel prices.
This move comes as oil prices remain under strong pressure related to geopolitical developments and uncertainties surrounding supplies.
Oil markets under pressure
The Brent rebound above $106 illustrates the sensitivity of oil markets to developments in the security situation in the Middle East.
Between attacks targeting Saudi facilities, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, and initiatives aimed at increasing the global supply of fuels, traders are closely watching events that could influence energy prices.
