Brent crude approaches $114 per barrel

Brent crude gained 0.5% to reach $113.75 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 0.7% to $100.13 per barrel. Brent was on track for its third consecutive weekly gain, with prices trading near their highest levels in approximately five months.

Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and concerns over the security of energy shipments in the Persian Gulf are increasing the risk premium in oil markets. Saudi Aramco's evacuation of its headquarters in Dhahran further highlighted the scale of regional security risks. Analysts believe the impact of ongoing conflicts on energy infrastructure and oil transportation will play a decisive role in determining the direction of prices.