Overview
- Brent crude jumped toward $114–$118 after Iranian attacks on Gulf energy sites, including reported damage that shut Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG hub.
- AAA reports the U.S. average for regular gasoline at $3.884 on Thursday, up about 96 cents in a month, while diesel tops $5.09 to a four‑year high.
- Tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely restricted, squeezing global flows of oil and LNG.
- Governments are deploying emergency measures, including an IEA pledge of 400 million barrels, a U.S. release of 172 million SPR barrels over four months, and a 60‑day Jones Act waiver.
- Analysts warn of renewed inflation pressure as European gas prices spike up to 35% and equity markets slide on energy‑driven uncertainty.