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BAKKEN WIRE
The Afternoon Take - Energy Market Briefing
Global Markets

Energy Market Briefing

Bakken Wire Staff·🌅Afternoon Wire·
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Afternoon Energy Market Briefing Thursday, August 20, 2026

1. Headlines

Oil prices surged today, with WTI closing up $2.09 to $86.48 and Brent rising $1.77 to $93.39, according to market data. Rigzone attributes the move to escalating tensions with Iran, citing new U.S. threats that have raised fears of a prolonged conflict in the Middle East. The rally pushed Brent near the $94 mark, a one-month high.

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