Oil prices continue to rise - US-Israeli war with Iran is damaging supply
Oil prices were little changed in Monday's trade as investors awaited clarification on the status of talks between the U.S. and Iran, although they remained cautious about continued supply losses due to shipping disruptions.
Brent crude futures rose 73 cents to $109.76 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude traded 26 cents lower at $111.28 a barrel.
The United States, Iran and a group of regional mediators are discussing terms for a possible 45-day ceasefire that could lead to a permanent end to the war. The Strait of Hormuz, through which oil and its byproducts from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates are transported, remains largely closed due to Iranian attacks on shipping since the war began on February 28.
Analysts say the inability to open the Strait of Hormuz is increasingly becoming a matter of political victory. With supply disruptions in the Middle East, refiners are looking for alternative sources of crude, particularly for physical cargoes in the US and Britain's North Sea.
However, several ships, including an Omani-operated tanker, a French-owned container ship and a Japanese-owned gas carrier, have passed through the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting Iran's policy of allowing passage to ships from countries it considers friendly.
On Sunday, OPEC+, made up of several members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies like Russia, agreed to a modest increase of 206,000 barrels per day for May. However, the decision will exist mostly on paper, as some of the group’s major producers are unable to increase output because of the war. Russian supplies have recently been disrupted by Ukrainian drone attacks on its export terminal in the Baltic Sea.
Budget revenues at record level - Rama: Over 1 billion euros more without increasing taxes
Prime Minister Edi Rama has declared that budget revenues have reached a historic level, reflecting, according to him, the strengthening of the Albanian......
National Agriculture Scheme 2026 approved/ Rama: More funds and focus on young farmers
The government has approved the National Agricultural Support Scheme for 2026, which brings a significant increase in financial support and simplification of......
Oil excise duty reduced by 20% above the 220 lek threshold - Rama: Measure to protect consumers
The government has approved the normative act to reduce the excise tax on diesel, a measure that automatically comes into effect when the price of fuel......
"Double Your Enterprise"/ Rama: New credit line for businesses, program for doubling enterprises ready
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced the imminent launch of the "Double Your Enterprise" program, which aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises......
"The EU wants to take us inside" - Rama: Albania has gained respect and trust from those who did not respect us
During a meeting with the Socialist Party structures of unit 12 in the capital, the leader of this party, also Prime Minister, Edi Rama, stated that the......
Forest fund administration - Draft/ The State Forestry Company is established, aiming to solve existing problems
Creation of a centralized structure, which will administer and develop the state forest fund in the country. Everything is foreseen in a draft law issued for......
Private sector credit expands - Reached 34% of GDP by the end of 2025
Lending to the private sector continued to grow at high rates in the fourth quarter of 2025 and in January 2026. Annual credit expansion showed a slight......
Debts for OSHEE invoices - The stock of arrears reaches 80.89 billion lek
The total debt that customers have towards the Electricity Distribution Operator increased slightly during 2025, compared to 2024. According to official data......
