Brent was at US$106.06 and West Texas at US$95.09 per barrel on 14 Oct 2026, both up on the day. Attacks on merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz are continuing. IEA expects the oil market to stay in deficit through year-end, even with demand softening. US inflation came in at 3.7% for September, and markets now price a 30% chance of a US rate hike at the 27-28 Oct meeting. For Thai SMEs: plan for higher diesel and fuel costs, check freight and supplier surcharges, and expect tighter credit if rates rise.