Oil Prices Hit $100 as Middle East Tensions Raise Global Inflation Fears

Global oil prices have surged as escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and growing supply chain disruptions raise concerns over energy security. International benchmark Brent crude climbed to $100 per barrel for the first time since May after oil prices jumped more than 6% on Thursday. The latest rally follows intensified U.S. military action against Iran and renewed attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on oil tankers in the Red Sea, threatening key export routes used by Saudi Arabia. The collapse of a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran has further heightened fears of potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical oil shipping corridors. The increase in energy prices has also extended to natural gas, adding to concerns over rising inflation. Analysts warn that higher fuel costs are likely to drive up transportation and consumer prices, making it more difficult for central banks to lower interest rates. While the Bank of England has kept its benchmark rate unchanged at 3.75%, and the U.S. Federal Reserve has reiterated its commitment to price stability, economists caution that a prolonged Middle East conflict could weigh heavily on the global economy by fueling inflation and slowing growth.