09:27 - 20.08.2026

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August 20, Fineko/abc.az. Crude oil prices traded steady-to-higher during early Thursday dealings, with Brent crude advancing 0.3% to $91.87 per barrel and WTI settling near $85.81. The market continues to absorb geopolitical friction surrounding the US-Iran conflict and maritime security risks through the Strait of Hormuz.

Tensions escalated further following the UAE's decision to suspend all financial and economic transactions with Iran. However, gains remain capped after the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported an unexpected 4.4 million barrel increase in US crude inventories, defying expectations for a 600,000-barrel draw.