NEW YORK (AP).—The rebound in international oil pricesor, driven by conflict in the Middle Eastraised fears about a broader impact on the global economy, remaining above the 100 dollars per barrel in recent days.
The rise in crude oil prices occurred after statements by the president of the United States, Donald Trumpwho warned that military actions against Iran will continue without a defined timetable for their conclusion, which increased uncertainty in the energy markets.
During the day, US oil reached levels close to 114 dollars per barrel and closed at 111.54 dollarswith a significant weekly increase, while Brent stood at 109.03 dollars.
The increase coincides with a reduction in maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic point through which approximately one-fifth of the oil traded worldwide transits, which has limited the available supply.
Analysts warn that this increase in prices not only reflects immediate geopolitical tensions, but can translate into sustained pressure on different economic indicators in the short term.
“A prolonged conflict increases the risk of pressures on inflation, global growth and interest rates,” he noted. Adam Turnquistchief technical strategist at LPL Financial.
The impact of high oil is already beginning to be reflected in consumers, particularly in the increase in fuel prices, which in the United States registered an increase in 36% in the last month.
This increase has direct effects on daily spending, but also indirect repercussions by making the transportation of goods and services more expensive, which puts upward pressure on prices in various sectors.
Hit car
Las Airlines and companies linked to tourism are among the most affecteddue to increase in operating costs associated with fuelwhich translates into higher rates for users.
In financial markets, volatility has been constant since the beginning of the conflict, with sudden movements in the main stock indices depending on expectations about the duration of the crisis.
Although some stock market indicators managed to recover towards the end of the week, the environment remains conditioned by the evolution of the oil price and its impact on inflation.
The persistence of high inflation has complicated monetary policy forecasts, as it limits the possibility of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve (Fed).
No solutions
Markets anticipated rate reductions during 2026; However, before the new energy scenariothese are now expected to remain unchanged in the short term.
In this context, specialists agree that the behavior of oil could become a determining factor for global economic stability, by simultaneously affecting costs, consumption and financial expectations.
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