The crisis has forced Iranian authorities to resort to drastic measures, including cutting off electricity to industrial sectors and plunging manufacturing activities into near stasis. Urban areas, from highways to shopping malls, have been plunged into darkness as authorities grapple with diminishing power supplies.
Global crude oil benchmarks closed Friday's session with minimal changes, yet recorded a 2.5% weekly decline, reflecting persistent market uncertainties. Investor sentiment was dampened by the Federal Reserve's cautious approach to interest rate reductions and the spectre of new tariffs from the incoming US administration.
The US dollar surged to a two-year high following signals from the Federal Reserve of a more measured approach to interest rate cuts in 2025. This appreciation makes dollar-denominated commodities like oil more expensive for holders of other currencies
The EIA’s report highlighted a significant decline in US crude and distillate stocks for the week ending December 13, primarily driven by a notable surge in exports, which increased by 1.8 million barrels to reach their highest level since July.
The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) has reported a continued decline in crude oil inventories for the week ending December 13, 2024. Crude stocks fell by approximately 900,000 barrels compared to the previous week, bringing the total to 421.0 million barrels.