Global crude oil benchmark prices fell by more than 1% on Thursday. Energy investors weighed escalated maritime supply risks in the Middle East against aggressive U.S. government efforts to reduce petroleum shipping expenses.
According to market data reported early Thursday, international benchmark Brent crude futures dropped $1.64, or 1.6%, to settle at $104.42 a barrel by 0337 GMT. The decline erased gains registered during Wednesday’s trading session.
Concurrently, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures shed 98 cents, or 1%, slipping to $94.11 per barrel. The downward movement comes despite broader energy commodity volatility driven by geopolitical friction across critical maritime corridors.
Trading sentiment shifted after Washington signaled plans to ease targeted maritime sanctions. U.S. officials are evaluating regulatory relief for shadow fleet oil tankers to lower surging petroleum freight costs and stabilize global logistics.
The policy initiative temporarily neutralized market anxiety surrounding attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz.
However, broader supply fundamentals remain tight following recent commercial inventory drawdowns, keeping long-term market volatility elevated
