Oil prices experienced a more than 4% jump on Friday, a notable rebound from a four-month low seen just the day before. Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, closed up by $3.19, or roughly 4.1%, at $80.61 a barrel. Similarly, West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI), a key standard for U.S. oil, rose by $2.99, or 4.1%, to $75.89. This uptick is not just a number on a chart; it’s a reflection of the complex interplay of global events and market sentiments.

A crucial factor behind this price jump is the easing of fears regarding Middle East supply disruptions. The region, a pivotal player in the global oil market, often sees its geopolitical tensions directly influencing oil prices. However, despite the onset of the Israel-Hamas war, it appears that the core fundamentals of the oil market remain unaffected. This suggests that while the conflict does introduce volatility and risk, it hasn’t yet disrupted the supply-demand balance significantly.

Despite the recent surge, it’s essential to put things in perspective. Brent oil is currently trading nearly $20 a barrel lower than its peak in September. This dip from the peak indicates that while current prices are increasing, they’re still relatively moderated in the grand scheme of recent oil price history.

Looking ahead, OPEC+, the influential group comprising oil-producing nations, is in the spotlight. The group is slated to meet later this month to deliberate whether additional oil supply cuts are warranted. It’s worth noting that Saudi Arabia, Russia, and other members of OPEC+ have already committed to substantial output cuts of 5.16 million barrels per day, about 5% of the daily global demand. This move underscores the group’s ability to sway the market and highlights their role in stabilizing prices.