Oil Markets Mixed as Brent Holds Above $106

Global energy markets traded in a mixed pattern as geopolitical tensions and supply dynamics continued to drive volatility across crude benchmarks.

WTI Crude Oil fell 0.93% to $94.96 per barrel, extending losses amid demand concerns and short-term profit-taking. In contrast, Brent Crude Oil rose 1.03% to $106.20, maintaining its premium as supply risks persist in key shipping routes.

The divergence highlights growing regional pricing imbalances, with Middle Eastern grades showing stronger performance. Murban Crude Oil climbed slightly to $106.40, reflecting steady demand for higher-quality sour crude from Asia.

In the broader energy complex, Natural Gas dropped sharply by 3.67% to $2.518, pressured by weaker demand forecasts and stable supply conditions.

Refined products showed mixed momentum:

Gasoline rose 0.61% to $3.483

Heating oil fell 0.77% to $3.957

Benchmark baskets tied to producer groups and Asia remained elevated. The OPEC basket surged 3.12% to $106.30, reflecting tighter supply expectations among member states. Meanwhile, the Indian basket crude gained 0.83% to $108.60, underscoring higher import costs for major consuming economies.

The divergence between WTI and Brent continues to reflect logistical constraints, geopolitical risk premiums, and regional demand shifts, with Middle Eastern grades holding a structural advantage amid ongoing uncertainty in global energy flows.