Oil Prices Slip as US Eases Russian Sanctions, Middle East Risks Persist

Oil prices fell Tuesday morning as markets weighed a US executive order suspending some sanctions and tariffs on Russian energy exports, while Middle East supply concerns persisted. Brent crude dropped 0.45% to $109.06 per barrel, and West Texas Intermediate fell 0.33% to $103.32. President Donald Trump issued the order Friday, lifting major US penalties on Russian oil and gas purchases, though he later said no final decision was made. Attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Saudi energy facilities, including an Aramco site, kept supply disruption fears elevated. The International Energy Agency reported Russian crude output rose in September but remained below year-ago levels. A Reuters poll indicated US crude inventories likely declined last week, supporting prices above $100 per barrel.