
Oil Prices Surge Early Week on US-Iran Tensions Over Hormuz
Geopolitical escalation between the US and Iran drove a sharp early-week spike in oil prices, with WTI rising over 9% on July 13 to around $78 per barrel. Markets monitored developments through the week as prices showed volatility but remained elevated amid supply concerns. Energy equities gained ground while broader capital flows reflected heightened focus on traditional energy security. The episode highlighted ongoing sensitivity of global energy markets to Middle East developments.