Wars and Geopolitical Tensions Drive Global Oil Prices Higher

Geopolitical conflicts from Ukraine to the Middle East have pushed crude oil above US$68 a barrel.

Global crude oil prices have edged higher in recent months as prolonged wars and geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt energy supplies. Between July 1 and September 15, 2025, ICE Brent crude rose by US$1.51 per barrel from the previous quarter, averaging US$68.16 per barrel. The increase was driven mainly by the escalating war between Russia and Ukraine. Although US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Alaska on August 15 to discuss a peace deal and ceasefire, the summit ended without agreement, and both sides continued retaliatory strikes.