The hits to energy infrastructure sent U.S. crude futures more than 3% higher to $99.39 per barrel. The index was last at 100.16, little changed in early trading but holding on to Wednesday's gains. MORE CENTRAL BANKS AWAITEDIn a week filled with policy meetings across the globe, investors have been parsing through comments to gauge the impact of the war in the Middle East, with the European Central Bank, Bank of England and Bank of Japan due later in the day. "Rate hikes cannot increase oil supply, they can only suppress the demand response to higher prices, compounding the growth drag. Much of the adjustment to the energy shock therefore occurs organically."

Source: The Star March 19, 2026 01:39 UTC