Middle East Attacks Send Oil Prices Soaring Past $100 a Barrel

The price of oil has surpassed $100 a barrel for the first time in nearly six weeks following recent attacks on Middle Eastern oil facilities and ships.

According to the most heavily traded contract for Brent crude, the international standard, prices settled at $97.89 before increasing 2.4% to $100.29 early Wednesday.

The U.S. benchmark crude also gained 1.9% to $94.77 a barrel.