Brent crude prices exceeded $69 per barrel, and WTI – $64, due to escalating tensions between the US and Iran. The market is also affected by reduced US inventories and a winter storm.
Airlines canceled over 13,000 flights across the US for the weekend due to a powerful winter storm. This is the largest number of canceled flights in a single day since the start of the COVID pandemic.
The US is preparing for a massive winter storm this weekend that could affect several states at once.
US President Donald Trump discussed Santa Claus's travels, which are tracked by the NORAD program, with children. During the conversation, he mentioned Ukraine along with China and Russia.
French police have launched a special operation at Montparnasse station in Paris, evacuating passengers. The reasons for the operation have not been disclosed, and authorities are not providing details.
In Weatherford, Oklahoma, an ammonia leak from a tanker truck led to the evacuation of hundreds of people and the hospitalization of 36 individuals with respiratory problems. Authorities are urging residents to remain indoors while specialists address the chemical threat.
A powerful downpour in Russian Krasnodar flooded the streets, the water reached knee-deep. A local resident was almost dragged into an open manhole.
Tornadoes and heavy rains have passed through the central and southern US states. Power lines were destroyed, buildings and trees were damaged in Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee and other states.
Brent oil is trading below $75 a barrel. Traders are awaiting an announcement on tariff measures from US President Donald Trump.
