CommoditiesHigh ImpactUpdated•Originally published 9 March 2026•Updated 9 March 2026•
1 min read

Atkinson: 'Sky's the Limit' for Oil Prices Amid Growing Supply Constraints

Key Facts

1Energy analysts warned that there is no upper limit for oil prices as they rise in response to the war in the Middle East.
2Analysts described the current situation as having no precedent to compare with.

Neil Atkinson of the National Center for Energy Analytics has stated that "the sky's the limit" for potential oil price surges as conflict in the Middle East escalates. Atkinson specifically identified supply constraints as the primary driver behind the anticipated upward pressure on global energy benchmarks. Market experts describe the current geopolitical landscape as having no historical precedent, making accurate price forecasting exceptionally difficult. The ongoing instability is generating extreme supply uncertainty, fueling fears of a panic-driven price spiral across international markets. Futures for Brent and WTI are expected to remain highly volatile as traders continue to assess the risks of significant supply chain disruptions. This volatility in a critical oil-producing region represents a high-impact event, complicating risk management strategies for global investors in the current climate.