Oil Price Surge and Geopolitical Risks Push Investors Cautious

Brent crude jumped nearly 16% over the week, touching $88.10 a barrel as tensions escalated in the Middle East. The United States Central Command confirmed precision strikes on Iranian facilities on July 12, aiming to curb Tehran’s ability to target ships in the Hormuz Strait. These developments kept global markets on edge and lifted oil‑related equities in India. Despite the bullish impact on oil and gas stocks, overall market participants remained wary, reflected in a modest 7.3% rise in the India VIX index, signalling heightened volatility expectations amid the geopolitical backdrop.