Oil prices surged more than $3 a barrel on Friday as fresh Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia intensified concerns about energy-supply disruptions across the Middle East. The rally pushed Brent crude to its highest settlement in nearly six months, while an oil spill reported by UAE authorities added another layer of uncertainty to an already strained regional supply outlook.

Brent Reaches Highest Settlement Since April

Brent crude futures settled at $116.72 a barrel, gaining $3.55, or 3.14%, to record their highest closing level since April 29. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude ended at $103.27 a barrel, up $3.80, or 3.8%.

The move reflects the growing sensitivity of global oil markets to developments around Middle Eastern energy infrastructure and transportation routes. The latest attacks have raised concerns that further disruptions could affect the availability of crude and refined products, particularly if regional security risks escalate or begin affecting additional supply corridors.

Houthi Attacks Add to Supply Disruption Risks

The latest price surge came after Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia heightened concerns about the security of regional energy supplies. At the same time, UAE authorities reported an oil spill, creating an additional source of uncertainty for markets already closely monitoring disruptions connected to the conflict.

For energy consumers and businesses, sustained increases in crude prices could eventually translate into higher transportation and production costs. The impact would depend on the duration and scale of supply disruptions, as well as whether additional producers or emergency inventories can compensate for lost barrels.

U.S. Emergency Crude Measures Highlight Market Pressure

The United States is also taking steps to address potential supply tightness. The U.S. Energy Department authorized an emergency exchange of up to 400,000 barrels of crude from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, providing a temporary source of additional supply as markets respond to heightened geopolitical risks.

Such an exchange can help address immediate logistical or supply concerns, but its scale remains small relative to global oil consumption. The market response therefore remains heavily dependent on whether disruptions remain localized or expand across the broader Middle Eastern energy system.

Russian Diesel Shipment Adds Another Supply Variable

Meanwhile, market data showed a tanker carrying Russian diesel heading toward New York. The shipment adds another dimension to the evolving global fuel-supply picture as traders assess how available refined products can offset regional disruptions and elevated crude prices.

Brent’s latest advance also capped a stronger week for oil markets, with WTI finishing 2.3% higher for the week. Going forward, traders are likely to focus on the frequency and scale of further Houthi attacks, developments surrounding the reported UAE oil spill, the effectiveness of emergency U.S. supply measures and the movement of crude and refined products through global shipping routes. Any evidence of prolonged disruption could keep prices elevated, while improved security conditions or additional supply could ease some of the recent upward pressure.