WTI crude oil prices traded in a volatile range near $90–$94 per barrel during the week of September 21, 2026, after spiking above $100 earlier in the month on Middle East supply disruption fears. The primary driver has been shifting geopolitical sentiment: hopes for U.S.-Iran diplomatic progress at the UN General Assembly, Saudi Arabia’s restart of its East-West pipeline, and higher tanker loadings through the Strait of Hormuz eased immediate risk premiums. Counterbalancing factors include ongoing Houthi attacks, persistent regional tensions, and a larger-than-expected U.S. crude inventory build. Traders are monitoring weekly EIA data, further UN talks, and OPEC+ policy signals ahead of the October meeting, with prices reflecting reduced but still elevated supply uncertainty relative to pre-conflict levels.