# Brent Crude Drops Below $105 as Investors Take Profits

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/brent-crude-drops-below-105-as-investors-take-profits-7f61f8
- Published: 2026-10-15T01:43:44Z
- Category: commodities; sentiment: bearish; impact: medium
- Written by our AI from expert market sources across the web for FreeTheAI Stocks, built by Vibhek Soni
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Brent crude futures dropped below $105 per barrel on Thursday as traders took profits following a recent price rally. Market participants are also evaluating potential US plans to ease sanctions on shadow fleet oil tankers carrying crude from Russia, Iran, and Venezuela in an effort to reduce soaring global shipping costs.

Despite the pull-back, geopolitical tensions continue to create supply risks in major oil-producing regions. A container ship sank in the Strait of Hormuz after being hit by unidentified projectiles, while Houthi forces launched drone and missile strikes in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Russia alleged that Ukraine hit two domestic refineries, including the 400,000-barrel-per-day Ryazan plant, violating a US-announced energy ceasefire.

Investors will monitor whether the US formally alters sanctions on global shipping vessels and how escalating conflict in key Middle Eastern and Eastern European transit corridors affects actual physical oil supply.

## Key points

- Brent crude oil fell below $105 per barrel due to profit-taking following a recent price rally.
- Reports indicate the US may ease sanctions on shadow fleet tankers to lower global freight rates.
- A container ship sank in the Strait of Hormuz following strikes by unidentified projectiles.
- Russia accused Ukraine of striking two oil refineries, including the 400,000-barrel-per-day Ryazan facility.

## Questions and answers

### Why did Brent crude oil prices fall below $105 per barrel?

Brent crude fell due to profit-taking after a recent price rally and reports that the US is considering easing sanctions on shadow fleet tankers to lower freight rates.

### What geopolitical events are creating supply concerns for crude oil?

Supply risks remain due to a ship sinking in the Strait of Hormuz, Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia, and reported strikes on Russian refineries like the Ryazan plant.