Oil prices surged on April 9, 2026. WTI crude now trades above $100, around $100.46 per barrel, while Brent crude is near $98–$99. The increase reflects growing skepticism about a ceasefire in the Middle East.
Despite an initial drop, oil remains highly volatile, about 40% higher than before the crisis.
Key points as of April 9, 2026:
- Brent, the international benchmark, is priced around $98–$99 per barrel, recovering after an initial dip below $97.
- WTI, U.S. crude, exceeds $100 per barrel due to fears of tightening supply.
- Middle East instability, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, keeps risk premiums high.
Analysts expect oil prices to remain elevated in 2026, despite temporary corrections, with WTI averaging around $85 for the year.
Tunisia’s 2026 state budget was based on a Brent reference price of $63.3 per barrel. Early 2026 prices have far exceeded this assumption due to geopolitical tensions. Each $1 above the reference price adds roughly TND 164 million in subsidy expenses.
