Oil prices skyrocket while markets sink amid Russia's attack on Ukraine


Oil prices jumped up Thursday morning after Russia ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The international benchmark, Brent crude oil, surged to around $105 per barrel, reports CNBC, the first time it climbed that high since 2014.
The 8 percent surge also came as European natural gas futures soared 40 percent, writes The New York Times, and as global markets sank amid the turmoil. Russia "provides more than a third of the European Union's gas," writes the Times, "with some of it running through pipelines in Ukraine." Russia's markets collapsed, with the ruble falling to a record low against the dollar. Russia is seemingly seeking to partner with Pakistan on a new gas pipeline.
In the U.S., the Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeted 700 points, the S&P 500 sank 1.7 percent, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 1.6 percent, per CNBC. The indexes are all down significantly from their highs earlier this year, as the disruption to energy markets compounded inflation concerns.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
While the U.S. does not directly import Russian gas, "disruptions anywhere could drive up prices," writes the Times, "prolonging the inflation that already has dragged on longer than officials had anticipated."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Summer Meza has worked at The Week since 2018, serving as a staff writer, a news writer and currently the deputy editor. As a proud news generalist, she edits everything from political punditry and science news to personal finance advice and film reviews. Summer has previously written for Newsweek and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, covering national politics, transportation and the cannabis industry.
-
How does the Clean Air Act work?
The Explainer The law makes the air healthier. Will what we breathe stay that way?
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Inside the Israel-Turkey geopolitical dance across Syria
THE EXPLAINER As Syria struggles in the wake of the Assad regime's collapse, its neighbors are carefully coordinating to avoid potential military confrontations
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
US Treasuries were a 'safe haven' for investors. What changed?
Today's Big Question Doubts about America's fiscal competence after 'Liberation Day'
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
US Treasuries were a safe haven for investors. What changed?
Today's Big Question Doubts about America's fiscal competence after 'Liberation Day'
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
How could stock market slides affect you?
Today's Big Question Pensions, prices and jobs at risk as Donald Trump's 'Liberation Day' measures take hold
By The Week UK Published
-
Markets notch worst quarter in years as new tariffs loom
Speed Read The S&P 500 is on track for its worst month since 2022 as investors brace for Trump's tariffs
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Tesla Cybertrucks recalled over dislodging panels
Speed Read Almost every Cybertruck in the US has been recalled over a stainless steel panel that could fall off
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Why are stocks in 'correction' and not a bear market?
Today's Big Question Investors still hope for a 'flip' in Trump's trade policies
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Crafting emporium Joann is going out of business
Speed Read The 82-year-old fabric and crafts store will be closing all 800 of its stores
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump's China tariffs start after Canada, Mexico pauses
Speed Read The president paused his tariffs on America's closest neighbors after speaking to their leaders, but his import tax on Chinese goods has taken effect
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Chinese AI chatbot's rise slams US tech stocks
Speed Read The sudden popularity of a new AI chatbot from Chinese startup DeepSeek has sent U.S. tech stocks tumbling
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published