France has extended targeted aid for transport, fishing and agriculture as fuel prices remain at record levels amid tensions in the Middle East. Petrol reached around €2.12 per litre and diesel approximately €2.29 per litre in early September, while Brent crude oil traded near $108 a barrel. Markets appear to view the intervention as evidence of continued economic pressure and as supportive of scenarios involving further crude-price gains. Prediction markets show a slight increase in the probability that crude oil will reach a record high by year-end. Market participants are watching Middle East developments, possible supply disruptions, statements from OPEC (the oil producers’ group) Secretary General Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo and Saudi Minister of Energy Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, as well as further French energy-cost measures. The material also promotes live prediction-market analysis powered by Vera.