Oil prices are retreating after two consecutive sessions of gains, as reports emerged of the United States deploying an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East. A fresh escalation of the conflict with Iran risks disrupting the recovery in supply flows that markets had begun to price in.
Brent crude, the European benchmark, fell 1.13% to $101.18 per barrel in morning trading. West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the North American benchmark, traded at $91.52 per barrel, recording a decline of 1.35%.
Oil futures have oscillated throughout the week, with investors divided between the prospect of increased flows from the Middle East and the risk of a new wave of escalation in the region.
“The oil market is highly susceptible to another price surge, with inventories at low levels following six consecutive months of drawdowns,” ANZ Group Holdings analysts Brian Martin and Daniel Hynes wrote in a note cited by Bloomberg. “Investors are increasingly concerned about the possibility of Iran responding to the military buildup with attacks on US assets and energy infrastructure in the region.”
According to a US official, the Pentagon is deploying an additional aircraft carrier and approximately 10,000 new troops — drawn from the navy and marines — providing President Donald Trump with broader military options should he decide to intensify strikes against Iran.
Adding to market concerns, UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it had received reports that a tanker was struck by a projectile of unknown origin while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The resurgence of tensions comes at precisely the moment when fears over Middle Eastern supply disruptions had begun to ease, with Wall Street analysts noting that flows were approaching pre-war levels.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/10/02/commodities-3/petroleo-recua-depois-de-dois-dias-consecutivos-de-ganhos/
