Why is the price of oil today holding above $100 for Brent?

Traders see supply risks near the Strait of Hormuz and a longer conflict timeline. Even with emergency reserve releases, seaborne flows face uncertainty and higher costs. Those factors support a risk premium in Brent, keeping the market bid until shipping, insurance, and policy signals show durable improvement.

How does the Iran war impact affect US drivers and WTI crude price?

Gulf tensions lift Brent more than WTI, since coastal refineries often reference seaborne prices. The gap can raise input costs for some US refiners. Gasoline and diesel reflect crude moves with a lag, so persistent strength can push retail prices higher and keep inflation pressures on consumers and rate expectations.

Can reserve releases or sanction waivers push prices down fast?

They can cool spikes, but they rarely reset trend levels during conflict. Reserve barrels are temporary, and sanction waivers still face shipping, insurance, and banking frictions. Markets want proof of steady, verified flows. Until that appears, the risk premium that supports current pricing tends to persist.

What should investors watch to gauge the next move in oil?

Track OPEC+ guidance, tanker insurance rates, and confirmed loadings through key routes. Watch weekly US inventory data, crack spreads, and prompt time spreads for tightness signals. Macro factors like inflation prints and interest rate expectations also matter, since they shape demand outlook and cross-asset positioning.

Global Market Insights

Oil Prices Today, March 13: Brent Holds $100 as Hormuz Risk Mounts

ByDanny Kontos March 13, 2026March 13, 2026

The price of oil today is steady as Brent trades above $100 with supply risks near the Strait of Hormuz. US investors are watching the Brent crude price and WTI crude price for signals on fuel costs and inflation. Even with a record IEA reserve release and partial easing of some Russian oil sanctions, markets expect prolonged tension. We break down the Iran war impact, what it means for US consumers, and how to position portfolios in this environment.