# Brent Crude Drops Toward $108 as Traders Take Profits Following Rally

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/brent-crude-drops-toward-108-as-traders-take-profits-following-rally-313122
- Published: 2026-10-19T10:59:18Z
- Category: energy; sentiment: mixed; 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 prices dropped 1.5% toward $108 a barrel on Monday as investors stepped back to take profits. The decline follows a 5% gain last week that pushed crude prices to a five-month high.

Energy markets are weighing ongoing security risks in the Middle East against indications that crude supply is normalizing. Tensions remain elevated after a Saudi helicopter crash near the border with Yemen, Houthi attacks on the Yanbu export center, and reports of two tankers hit in the Persian Gulf. However, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright indicated that regional shipping volume has bounced back to roughly 80% of levels seen prior to recent conflicts.

Market participants are also monitoring policy shifts in Washington. President Donald Trump announced an agreement to buy Russian diesel along with exemptions on tariffs and sanctions for Russian energy cargoes. Meanwhile, US legislators are attempting to halt these transactions, adding regulatory uncertainty to global supply streams.

## Key points

- Brent crude fell 1.5% toward $108 per barrel following a 5% gain the prior week that reached five-month highs.
- US Energy Secretary Chris Wright noted Middle East crude shipments have recovered to nearly 80% of pre-conflict levels.
- Security threats persist in the Middle East, including Houthi attacks on Yanbu and reports of two Persian Gulf tankers being struck.
- President Donald Trump announced a Russian diesel export deal and sanction waivers, which US lawmakers are attempting to block.

## Questions and answers

### Why did Brent crude prices drop on Monday?

Brent crude dropped 1.5% toward $108 per barrel as traders took profits following a 5% gain the previous week. Prices were also pressured as US officials reported that Middle East oil flows had recovered to about 80% of pre-conflict levels.

### What geopolitical factors are impacting oil markets?

Markets face conflicting pressures from Middle East disruptions—including Houthi strikes on Yanbu and tanker hits—alongside US policy moves, such as a proposed Russian diesel deal and sanction waivers that US lawmakers are trying to block.