What would be a reason for a rise in oil prices?

A rise in oil prices often correlates with geopolitical tensions because such conflicts can disrupt the production and transportation of oil. When tensions escalate in oil-rich regions or among major oil-producing countries, the market becomes uncertain regarding the stability of supply. This apprehension can lead to speculative trading, where the expectation of limited future supply drives up current prices. Additionally, geopolitical tensions can result in sanctions or conflicts that lead to actual supply shortages, further exacerbating the rise in prices. Thus, during times of heightened geopolitical risk, the price of oil tends to increase as traders and investors react to the possibility of reduced availability of this critical resource.