-- Brent crude futures slipped on Friday as US president Donald Trump signaled a potential peace deal with Iran easing prolonged supply disruption fears in the market.
The Brent futures contract slipped 0.7% to $98.74 per barrel. Murban closed at $101.66 on April 16 and was not trading as of the time of publishing this oil price update.
"Oil prices remained elevated with speculation rising that higher oil prices will become the new normal even after the Iran war ends, as OPEC production plunged by the most in at least two decades in March on damage to Middle East infrastructure," Saxo Bank analysts said.
Brent eased toward $98 a barrel after nearly a 5% jump on Thursday, while WTI hovered around $93," Saxo Bank analysts noted.
Trump said on Thursday that Iran "wants to make a deal," signaling potential progress in negotiations between the two countries.
Trump shared the remarks while speaking to reporters outside the White House, shortly after posting on Truth Social about the 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
However, with OPEC production at a 20-year low and the Strait of Hormuz effectively shut, experts warned that global energy recovery could take up to two years.
Despite the diplomatic optimism, the International Energy Agency reportedly warned that Europe faces a jet fuel collapse within six weeks if Middle East shipping blockades persist.
While rumors of a deal circulate, the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively blocked, leaving crude stranded at sea at levels higher than pre-war averages.