Crude Oil Nears $100/Barrel Amid Middle East Tensions, Casting Shadow on Cambodia's Economy

International crude oil prices have surged to near $100 per barrel on September 9, 2026, the first time since July, as escalating tensions across the Middle East fuel concerns about potential disruptions to oil supplies from the region, Reuters reported. International benchmark Brent crude rose 1.3% to $99.22 a barrel at 1:15 PM (Cambodia time). Meanwhile, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude climbed 1.2% to $94.13 a barrel. Brent crude prices have jumped 25% since the beginning of August, as hopes for a permanent resolution to the six-month war have faded and fighting has reignited. The conflict in the Middle East intensified on September 8, with Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels launching attacks on several Saudi Arabian cities, further drawing the US ally into the conflict. Amidst this rapid escalation of the six-month war, US forces have attacked several Iranian oil tankers, and Iran has retaliated by attacking US bases in Jordan, as well as other transport vessels. These recent attacks further threaten oil supplies in the already tense Middle East region, with attacks on energy infrastructure and key shipping routes in the area. Source: Koh Santepheap Khmer