$100 Oil Prices Spark Global Energy Security Concerns

Brent crude oil prices crossed the $100 per barrel threshold this week as tensions in the Middle East escalated, with threats against Gulf energy infrastructure and attacks on tankers and Saudi energy operations.

The Iran conflict has entered a more dangerous phase, with concerns growing that disruption could spread across multiple critical shipping corridors.

Despite record U.S. crude production projected to reach 13.8 million barrels per day in 2026, the country's strategic petroleum inventories remain depleted and domestic refining capacity is emerging as another potential constraint.