Singapore June 16 2025: Oil prices were volatile on Monday, after surging 7% on Friday, as renewed strikes by Israel and Iran over the weekend increased concerns that the battle could widen across the region and significantly disrupt oil exports from the Middle East.
Brent crude futures rose 64 cents, or 0.86%, to $74.87 a barrel by 0507 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained 76 cents or 1.04%, to $73.74. They had surged more than $4 a barrel earlier in the session and also fell into negative territory briefly.
Both benchmarks settled 7% higher on Friday, having jumped more than 13% during the session to their highest levels since January.
Iranian missiles struck Israel’s Tel Aviv and the port city of Haifa on Monday, destroying homes and fuelling concerns among world leaders at this week’s G7 meeting that the battle between the two old enemies could lead to a broader regional conflict.
An exchange of strikes between Israel and Iran on Sunday resulted in civilian casualties, with both militaries urging civilians on the opposing side to take precautions against further strikes.
The latest developments have stoked concerns about disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping passage.
