Why did the WTI price today jump to a six-month high?

Markets priced a higher risk of US strikes on Iran, which could disrupt flows through the Strait of Hormuz. That added a security premium to futures. Positioning was light, so prices moved quickly. With no confirmed outages, sentiment and headline risk did most of the work in the latest rally.

How does a higher Brent crude price affect Japan?

Brent is the main seaborne benchmark, so it guides import costs for Japan. When Brent rises on supply risk, landed crude becomes more expensive. That can lift gasoline and utility bills with a lag, pressure fuel‑sensitive sectors, and nudge inflation expectations higher until supply fears fade.

Which sectors in Japan are most sensitive to rising oil?

Airlines, shippers, and some chemicals feel the impact first through higher fuel and feedstock costs. Refiners can benefit if product cracks improve, while trading houses with upstream assets may offset. Retailers and logistics face pass‑through timing issues, so margins can tighten temporarily during sharp price spikes.

What indicators should investors track after this oil spike?

Watch the Brent‑WTI spread, futures curve shape, and weekly inventory data. Monitor updates on the Strait of Hormuz and any official guidance from OPEC+. In Japan, track energy’s share in CPI and company comments on fuel costs. These signals show if the risk premium is rising or fading.

Global Market Insights

WTI Today, February 21: Oil Hits 6-Month High on US-Iran Risk

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 21, 2026February 21, 2026

WTI price today is at a six‑month high as traders price a higher risk of US strikes on Iran and possible disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude price also climbed, lifting the global energy complex. For Japan, costlier oil can raise gasoline and utility bills, firm inflation expectations, and pressure rate‑cut hopes abroad. We explain what moved prices on February 21, how this affects Tokyo markets, and what investors can do now.