Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude prices fell after reports showed oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz and alternative Gulf routes recovering toward prewar levels, easing immediate supply concerns. Estimates varied from nearly 80% to 98% of prewar Hormuz exports, while Goldman Sachs put broader Middle Eastern flows at 23.3 million barrels per day, matching the 2025 average. Saudi Arabia resumed loadings from Yanbu, but shipping remained vulnerable to security risks and the absence of a lasting U.S.-Iran agreement. U.S. crude inventories unexpectedly rose by 922,000 barrels to 427.3 million barrels in the week ended September 25, while diesel inventories reached a record seasonal low and President Donald Trump continued considering a diesel export ban.