Crude oil price benchmarks declined from the flatline on Friday despite persisting tensions in the Middle East and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude oil futures have edged down on Friday whereas the WTI crude oil price benchmark has slipped way below the flatline. The price movement comes amidst global markets reconciling to the likelihood of a prolonged U.S.-Iran war and continued disruptions to crude oil supplies from the Middle East.
Data released on Wednesday by the U.S. Energy Information Administration had shown a decline of 6.23 million barrels in crude oil inventories during the week ended April 24. Markets were expecting a draw of 0.2 million barrels only as the previous week had witnessed an addition of 1.93 million barrels.
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Business News
April 24, 2026 15:15 ET Economics news flow was relatively light this week even as the conflict in the Middle East continued, raising concerns for policymakers. In the U.S., spending data, initial jobless claims and pending home sales were the highlights. Business confidence in the biggest euro area economy was in focus in Europe. Inflation data from Japan gained attention in Asia.