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BAKKEN WIRE
The Midday Take - Energy Market Briefing
Global Markets

Energy Market Briefing

Bakken Wire Staff·🔆Midday Wire·
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Midday Energy Market Briefing

Friday, July 17, 2026

1. Headlines

Crude prices are surging midday, with WTI up nearly $3 to $81.24 and Brent at $87.32, according to market data. This extends the market's strongest weekly gain in months, reported by OilPrice.com to be over 11%. The stated driver is the rapid return of a geopolitical risk premium due to intensified fighting between U.S. and Iranian forces. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed a sixth consecutive night of strikes on Iranian military targets, while Iranian media reports retaliatory attacks across the Gulf.

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