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Historic Oil Price Surge Shocks Markets Amid War

Published March 9, 2026, 12:09
Historic Oil Price Surge Shocks Markets Amid War

Oil prices have surged to a historic high, exceeding $100 a barrel, due to the war in the Middle East, causing a plunge in stock markets and rekindling fears of a global inflationary shock. Brent rose 16.18% to $107.69, while WTI rose 14.02% to $103.64. This increase is more pronounced than the one caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Simultaneously, natural gas rose 13.49% to €60.58 per megawatt-hour. Attacks on energy infrastructure in the Gulf region and the paralysis of the Strait of Hormuz contribute to rising prices. Analysts warn that the situation in the Middle East could lead to a prolonged war and further increases in energy prices, with potential implications for inflation. European stock markets are negatively affected, with declines in Paris, Frankfurt, and Milan. Asian markets, such as Tokyo and Seoul, have recorded significant losses.