Explainer: how Gulf storms and Houthi attacks move oil prices

Oil prices jumped this week as a Gulf storm and Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia threatened supplies. Here is how such events move the price you pay.First, storms. A system forming in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to become the first Atlantic hurricane of 2026. The offshore areas in its path produce 15 percent of US crude and 5 percent of natural gas. Six refineries could be affected, and Gulf refineries handle about half of US capacity.Second, conflict. Houthi attacks damaged two Saudi airports, raising fears of wider strikes on oil facilities. The Bab al-Mandeb strait near Yemen is a key chokepoint for global energy shipments.But prices are not only about fear. Supply has also been rising: the East-West pipeline is moving 5.8 million barrels a day, and Middle East tanker loadings hit 12 million barrels a day recently.The net effect: Brent at $101.51 and US crude at $90.25. For consumers, sustained high crude eventually feeds into fuel prices and inflation.
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