Global oil benchmarks ended the week on a strong note, rising over 1% on Friday, November 22, 2024, to reach two-week highs. The gains were fueled by escalating geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe, which heightened concerns about potential disruptions to Russia's oil infrastructure and supply.
Despite these losses, prices found some support due to escalating tensions in Eastern Europe, which heightened concerns over potential supply risks from the region. A weakening US dollar also helped cushion the decline
Meanwhile, the Asia-Europe trade lane has experienced a sharp increase in freight costs, with rates climbing by approximately 30% since early November. To reflect heightened demand, carriers have introduced General Rate Increases (GRIs), with some aiming to push December rates above $6,000/FEU.