U.S. oil surges to top $109, Brent crude at five-month high amid Mideast tensions

Global crude benchmarks climbed sharply as persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East rattled commodity markets. U.S. oil futures broke above the significant $109 per barrel threshold, driving prices higher for consecutive sessions. Meanwhile, international benchmark Brent crude reached its strongest level in five months as traders priced in heightened supply risks. Ongoing conflicts and military escalations in the region have stoked fears of vital shipping lane blockages and production facility disruptions. Energy markets remain exceptionally sensitive to any news threatening the continuous flow of petroleum from the Middle East. Higher energy costs present renewed inflationary headwinds for the global economy, complicating monetary policy outlooks for central banks worldwide. Consequently, equity markets faced secondary pressures as investors rotated capital away from risk assets into safe-haven commodities.