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Oil prices continue to rise due to tensions in the region

May 20, 2024

Oil prices rose at the beginning of this week, driven by a mix of geopolitical and economic factors.

The helicopter crash of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Sunday raised concerns about regional stability, while recent US purchases of oil to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve helped support prices.

The price of Brent crude rose 26 cents to reach $84.24 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude rose 15 cents to reach $80.21 per barrel.

Geopolitical factors – represented by the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on Sunday – have raised investors' concerns about the stability of the region.

This incident may lead to increased tensions in the Middle East. Which could disrupt oil supplies and push prices higher.

As for the economic factors, they are represented by the United States purchasing 3.3 million barrels of oil at a price of $79.38 per barrel to help refill its strategic petroleum reserve. This purchase indicates that demand for oil in the United States may be stronger than expected; Which may support prices.

Signs of slowing inflation in the United States have reinforced expectations of interest rate cuts; This could lead to a decline in the value of the dollar and make oil cheaper for holders of other currencies.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, together called OPEC+, are scheduled to meet on June 1 to discuss production policy. Analysts expect OPEC+ to maintain current production levels, but any change in policy could have a significant impact. On oil prices.