The US Treasury Department has expanded its economic sanctions on Iran, specifically targeting the country’s petroleum and petrochemical sectors, in response to the recent attack on Israel. The new measures aim to limit Iran’s ability to finance destabilizing activities in the region.
International oil benchmarks continued their downward trend on Friday, October 11, 2024, as investors grappled with a complex set of factors influencing the market, including the impact of Hurricane Milton on fuel demand in Florida, the potential for economic stimulus in China, and escalating geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran.
Hurricane Milton, which battered Florida, has exacerbated the situation by severely disrupting fuel distribution. The storm forced the closure of key fuel terminals, delayed tanker deliveries, and halted pipeline operations, deepening supply chain stress in the US market.