West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil is approaching $87 per barrel as of mid-April, up from around $82 earlier this month as escalating tensions between the United States and Iran increase concerns about Middle East supply disruptions. Brent crude, the international benchmark, is trading above $90, while gasoline and heating oil futures have also risen. The market is adding a geopolitical risk premium (extra price for potential disruption) because military confrontation, stricter sanctions on Iranian oil exports or disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could reduce global supplies. The waterway carries about 20% of global oil consumption. OPEC+ production cuts and limited spare capacity are amplifying the effect because the market has little buffer against sudden losses. Current WTI prices are the highest since October, when the Israel-Hamas conflict first rattled markets, although the underlying supply-demand balance remains relatively well-supplied and some traders question whether the geopolitical premium is justified. Higher oil prices can raise gasoline costs, stoke inflation and weigh on consumer spending. In the United States, sustained increases could have broader economic and political implications and add pressure on the Federal Reserve if energy costs delay progress on inflation and complicate its cautious approach to rate cuts. Traders are watching diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran, with de-escalation potentially reversing recent gains and military action or new sanctions potentially pushing prices to $90 or beyond. Weekly US inventory data due Wednesday will offer additional clues: a larger-than-expected crude-stock drawdown would support bullish sentiment, while a build could temper the rally. The market remains sensitive to headlines, and volatility is likely to persist as investors assess whether geopolitical risks produce actual supply disruptions.