Global Stocks Slide as Gulf Tanker Attacks Push Oil Above $100, Raise Inflation Fears

Global stock markets fell on Thursday after attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf dashed hopes of an imminent de-escalation in the Middle East conflict, briefly sending oil prices above $100 per barrel and raising fresh concerns about inflation.

The development quickly reversed earlier market optimism that the war could end soon, prompting investors to retreat from riskier assets.

Conflicting signals from U.S. President Donald Trump have also unsettled traders, leaving many cautious about market direction. As a result, investors are either staying on the sidelines or moving funds into traditional safe-haven assets.

Market analysts say the rebound in oil prices now reflects fears over the security of global oil shipments rather than actual supply shortages.

Senior Market Analyst at City Index, Fiona Cincotta, noted that the recent surge in crude prices highlights growing concerns about the safety of energy flows through the Middle East, raising the possibility that prices could climb even higher.

Efforts to calm the markets by the International Energy Agency also failed to ease investor anxiety. On Wednesday, the agency announced plans to release 400 million barrels of oil from its emergency reserves — the largest such intervention in its history.

Despite the move, Brent crude futures surged by as much as 10.4 percent to $101.59 per barrel before easing slightly, as doubts lingered over whether the reserve release would be enough to offset potential supply disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.

Meanwhile, U.S. crude oil futures were last trading about 4.4 percent higher, reflecting continued volatility in global energy markets.