Asian Refiner Demand Lifts Dubai Crude Toward $100 as Saudi Exports Slump

Strong buying of Middle Eastern crude by Chinese, Indian, South Korean, and Japanese refiners has pushed Dubai futures near $100/bbl, per unnamed traders. This demand persists despite US-Iran escalation, while Saudi exports have fallen to their lowest since 2017, tightening supply. The price surge signals sustained Asian appetite and potential inflationary pressure, though the US-Iran dynamic adds uncertainty.