Oil and gas prices surged significantly following a series of attacks across the Middle East, attributed to Iran's response to US and Israeli actions. QatarEnergy halted liquefied natural gas (LNG) production after its facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City were targeted by a drone, while Saudi Aramco temporarily shut its Ras Tanura oil refinery due to a drone strike. Brent crude jumped 10% to over $82 a barrel after three ships were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy shipments. Stock markets in the US and Europe experienced declines, with banks' share prices falling due to inflation concerns. Gold prices rose as a safe-haven asset, and analysts warned of potential price increases beyond $100 per barrel if the conflict escalates, impacting inflation and interest rates.