Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) prices fell on Friday, October 9, 2026, as traders took profits following the previous session’s rally, while improving oil supply prospects in the Middle East eased some concerns over potential disruptions.
Brent crude declined 1.32% to $102.90 a barrel, while WTI, the US crude benchmark, dropped 0.98% to $90.59.
The declines followed a sharp rally on Thursday that pushed Brent above $104 a barrel and WTI above $91, prompting some investors to lock in gains after the recent rebound.
Despite Friday’s pullback, oil prices remain sensitive to developments in the Middle East, where improving export flows are helping ease supply concerns but uncertainty over US-Iran diplomacy continues to support prices.
Higher oil loadings through the Strait of Hormuz and the continued operation of Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline have helped reduce fears of prolonged supply disruptions.
The developments offer some relief to the market following earlier concerns over the security of oil shipments through the Gulf, a critical route for global crude supplies.
However, the absence of a clear diplomatic breakthrough in US-Iran negotiations has kept geopolitical risks in focus, limiting the extent to which improving supply conditions have eased market uncertainty.
The latest decline extends the volatile trading pattern observed since mid-September, with crude prices fluctuating in response to changing assessments of physical supply, export flows and geopolitical developments.
Market participants will continue to monitor evidence of a sustained recovery in Gulf oil exports, as well as progress in mediated discussions between Washington and Tehran.
Further improvements in supply could place downward pressure on prices, while renewed tensions or disruptions to shipping routes could trigger another rally.
