US-Iran Conflict Sends Oil Prices Soaring Past $100
Dubai crude prices have surged past $100 per barrel for the first time in recent history, driven by escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. The conflict has raised concerns over global oil supply chains, putting South Korea's industry on high alert.
The resumption of hostilities has fueled a sharp increase in international oil prices, with Dubai crude closing at $101.91 per barrel on September 4. This represents a 30.3% jump from the previous month and marks the first time Dubai crude has breached the $100 threshold. Brent crude rose 14.9% to $96.28 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) climbed 13.8% to $91.48 per barrel.
South Korea's airline industry, which had anticipated cost savings from a weaker dollar, is now facing the wildcard of surging oil prices. Korean Air consumes approximately 30.5 million barrels of jet fuel annually and its earnings are highly sensitive to oil price fluctuations. An airline official said the company is closely monitoring oil price trends and has activated its emergency response system.