Brent crude climbed above $90 a barrel after oil prices jumped about 7% on Wednesday, as renewed airstrikes in the Middle East rattled energy markets. The sharp move reflected growing concern that an already tense geopolitical backdrop could put more pressure on crude supply.
Traders were also focused on military activity linked to the Strait of Hormuz and nearby areas, which added to fears about disruption risk in a strategically important oil-producing region. As the conflict picture worsened, the market reacted quickly by pricing in a higher risk premium.
At the same time, fresh U.S. government data showed crude inventories fell to a multi-year low, reinforcing the sense that supplies are tightening. That inventory drop added a fundamental driver to the geopolitical concerns, helping push both Brent and broader oil benchmarks higher.
The combination of escalating Middle East strikes and shrinking U.S. stockpiles has strengthened bullish sentiment in the oil market. With supply worries back in focus, energy prices remain highly sensitive to any further developments in the region.
