Crude oil prices remained highly volatile during Asian trading hours on Thursday, as escalating tensions between the United States and Iran reignited fears of supply disruptions through key maritime chokepoints.
The Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea are once again at the center of market anxiety, with traders pricing in the risk of potential blockades or attacks on shipping vessels.
Brent crude and WTI futures saw sharp intraday swings, reflecting the market's sensitivity to geopolitical headlines.
While prices had stabilized earlier in the week, the renewed diplomatic friction has prevented any sustained consolidation, leaving energy markets on edge.
The volatility underscores the persistent premium investors are willing to pay for supply security in a region that accounts for a significant share of global oil flows.
This development follows a week of mixed signals.