<h4 data-path-to-node="3"><b data-path-to-node="3" data-index-in-node="0">LONDON — Dual Chokepoint Threats Trigger Sharp Benchmark Surge</b></h4><p data-path-to-node="4">International energy and commodity markets experienced a severe shock as Brent crude futures surged past the critical $100-a-barrel threshold, gaining more than 7% in a single trading session following confirmed missile and drone attacks on commercial crude oil tankers transiting the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb corridor.</p><p data-path-to-node="5">Security monitors and naval intelligence confirmed that multiple commercial vessels—including the Saudi-flagged crude carrier <i data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="126">Encelia</i>—were targeted during transit. While onboard damage control teams successfully contained localized fires and prevented catastrophic cargo spills, the strikes have shattered fragile shipping confidence across Western Asian maritime corridors.</p><h4 data-path-to-node="6"><b data-path-to-node="6" data-index-in-node="0">Surging War-Risk Insurance and Supply Chain Re-Routing</b></h4><p data-path-to-node="7">The sudden escalation has sent shockwaves through global energy logistics. Marine underwriters and international insurance syndicates have immediately escalated war-risk hull premiums, raising rates to between 7.5% and 10% of total vessel valuation for ships opting to sail near conflict zones.</p><p data-path-to-node="8">With both the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea facing simultaneous security threats, charterers and major energy firms are abandoning traditional shortcuts, forcing oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers into long-distance detours around the Cape of Good Hope. Global refiners and industrial sourcing desks are now bracing for compounding freight surcharges, extended voyage lead times, and sustained upward pressure on global energy prices as maritime supply routes face renewed disruption.</p>