The US is sending the USS Makin Island and about 10,000 sailors and marines to the Gulf, which would put three carrier groups in the region, while the Iran war drags on with no progress on talks. Brent rose 0.4% to $102.74 a barrel after a 4% jump on 1 October. For a Thai SME, the risk is higher fuel and transport costs and more inflation pressure. Review diesel and shipping cost assumptions for the next few months and consider fuel surcharges in quotes. Tracking the Fed's tightening stance also matters for loan rates.