Oil Slips as Trump Targets Surging Energy Prices
2026-03-05 23:44
By
Jam Kaimo Samonte
1 min. read
WTI crude futures fell more than 1% to around $79.6 per barrel on Friday, paring gains from the previous session after the Trump administration signaled it is considering several options to address the surge in oil and gasoline prices amid the war in Iran.
Potential measures include releasing crude from US emergency reserves, granting waivers on fuel-blending requirements, and the US Treasury trading oil futures.
Still, oil prices have jumped nearly 20% this week, putting them on track for the largest weekly advance since 2022 as the Middle East conflict disrupted global energy flows by effectively halting shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump said he should have a role in selecting Iran’s next leader, while Israel has continued conducting airstrikes on Tehran.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied reports that Iran had requested a ceasefire and signaled no willingness to enter negotiations.