Brent crude prices remain above $80 per barrel, driven by geopolitical uncertainties and constrained global energy supplies.Analysts warn that the combination of low inventories and ongoing Middle East tensions will keep oil prices elevated through 2026, despite hopes for a US-Iran ceasefire.

Market reactions show mixed outcomes, with the S&P 500 and Dow rising slightly, but the Nasdaq and Asian markets like South Korea's KOSPI and Japan's Nikkei declining.

Experts highlight that restoring normal oil flows requires more than political agreements, as physical market adjustments lag behind diplomatic developments.

Temporary buffers such as China's crude imports and the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve have mitigated price spikes, but these are becoming less reliable.Concerns persist that sustained high oil prices could keep inflation above target, complicating central banks' efforts to control inflation.

The article underscores the interconnectedness of geopolitical risks, energy markets, and global economic growth, with analysts cautioning that consumers may not see immediate relief at fuel pumps despite lower crude prices.