Key facts
- Brent crude prices surpassed $111 per barrel.
- WTI crude prices reached $98.98 per barrel.
- Houthi attacks targeted a Saudi oil field and an airport.
- US ordered non-essential personnel to evacuate Saudi Arabia.
- Kuwait's oil production exceeded 2 million barrels daily.
Crude oil prices extended gains on Thursday, with Brent crude trading above $111 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate at $98.98 per barrel, both up around 2%. The rise followed Houthi attacks on a Saudi oil field and an international airport, as well as a US order for non-emergency personnel to leave Saudi Arabia due to security concerns. Iranian media reported explosions within the country, while the nation's foreign minister and president expressed distrust in US peace intentions and cited US sanctions as obstacles to talks. Kuwait reported its oil production exceeded 2 million barrels per day, though fuel production remains problematic.