{
  "id": 2054062,
  "title": "Oil prices steady as investors assess US-Iran war outlook",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/oil-prices-steady-as-investors-assess-us-iran-war-outlook",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-19T22:03:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Business Times - Companies & Markets",
    "slug": "the-business-times-companies-markets",
    "url": "https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/energy-commodities/oil-prices-steady-investors-assess-us-iran-war-outlook"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Oil prices remained relatively stable on Thursday (August 20) as traders weighed the implications of the escalating US-Iran conflict and the security of maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude futures for October delivery climbed 25 cents, or 0.3%, to $91.87 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for September slipped 2 cents to $85.81 a barrel. The more volatile October WTI contract rose 14 cents, or 0.2%, to $84.53.\n\nAnalysts noted that while oil prices held firm amid sporadic Middle Eastern attacks, they lacked significant impetus without a major escalation. Hiroyuki Kikukawa, chief strategist at Nissan Securities, suggested the market would likely continue its gradual upward trend given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding peace talks and tensions involving the UAE, Oman, and Iran.\n\nOn Tuesday, US President Donald Trump indicated that no negotiations were underway with Iran, while Iran claimed the Strait of Hormuz remained closed. This discord resulted in reduced shipping activity in the vital waterway, with most shipowners steering clear due to the uncertain reopening after the Iran war. Data released on Wednesday revealed a slight uptick in US crude and gasoline inventories, with crude supplies increasing by 4.4 million barrels in the week ending August 14, contrary to expectations of a 600,000-barrel reduction.",
  "summary": "Both benchmarks closed at their highest since Jul 24",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "CNA - Business",
        "title": "Oil prices steady as investors assess US-Iran war outlook",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/oil-prices-steady-as-investors-assess-us-iran-war-outlook",
        "published": "2026-08-20T01:14:44.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Oil prices steady as investors assess US-Iran war outlook",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/oil-prices-steady-as-investors-assess-us-iran-war-outlook-2059537",
        "published": "2026-08-20T01:51:22.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}