Brent Crude Rises to $71.5 as China Moves to Boost Consumption and U.S. Strikes Houthis

Brent crude oil futures climbed to around $71.5 per barrel on Monday, extending gains as China unveiled new measures to stimulate consumption and the U.S. launched strikes on Yemen’s Houthis. Beijing announced plans to boost household incomes and introduce childcare subsidies, while strong economic data signaled resilience in China’s recovery.

Meanwhile, oil markets reacted to heightened geopolitical risks, with Washington vowing continued military action against the Houthis to secure Red Sea shipping routes. Additionally, concerns over prolonged disruptions in Russian energy supplies persisted, as U.S. President Trump and Russian President Putin prepared for talks on a potential ceasefire in Ukraine.