A slight decline is being recorded this Wednesday (16/09) in crude oil prices on international markets, marking a retreat from four-month highs. Despite ongoing supply disruptions from the Middle East, industry data revealed an unexpected increase in U.S. crude inventories.
In more detail, Brent crude is trading around $108 per barrel on Wednesday (16.9.2026), easing slightly from yesterday’s levels following the U.S. data release. Investors, however, remain cautious amid ongoing developments in the Middle East that continue to fuel uncertainty.
Slight drop in oil prices
A similar picture is emerging for U.S. crude, which is trading at approximately $105 per barrel — down less than 1% — after API data showed that U.S. crude oil inventories rose by 7.14 million barrels last week, following a draw of 300,000 barrels the week prior.
The figures defied expectations of a further drawdown, offering the market a brief moment of relief. At the same time, oil loading at Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu port remains suspended following the closure of the strategically vital East-West pipeline. Notably, there is still no clear timeline for the pipeline’s resumption of operations — a key alternative route that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz.
New Houthi attacks
Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched fresh attacks against Saudi Arabia this week. In Libya, the national oil company also suspended operations at two oil fields and a pumping station amid ongoing protests.
