Oil prices have soared to the highest level since 2008 after the US said it was discussing a potential embargo on Russian supplies with its allies.
Brent crude – the global oil benchmark – spiked to above $139 a barrel, before easing to around $130.
Energy markets have been rocked in recent days over supply fears triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Consumers are already feeling the impact of higher energy costs as fuel prices and household bills jump.
Stock markets in Asia fell on Monday, with Japan’s Nikkei 2.7% lower and the Hang Seng in Hong Kong down by 3%.
On Sunday, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration and its allies are discussing an embargo of Russian oil supplies.
Later, US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the chamber was “exploring” legislation to ban the import of Russian oil and that Congress this week intended to enact $10bn (£7.6bn) of aid for Ukraine in response to Russia’s military invasion.
“The House is currently exploring strong legislation that will further isolate Russia from the global economy,” Ms Pelosi said in a letter.
The comments came as pressure grows on the White House and other Western nations to take tougher action against Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.
A Russian oil embargo would be a major escalation in the response to the invasion of Ukraine and would potentially have a major impact on the global economy.
“While the US might just push through a ban on Russian oil imports, Europe can ill-afford to do the same. More worryingly, [Russian leader Vladimir] Putin, with his back to the wall, could turn off gas supplies to Europe, cutting off the continent’s energy lifeline,” Vandana Hari at oil markets analysis firm Vanda Insights told the BBC.
Source: BBC
