U.S. crude oil prices rose nearly 2% on Thursday for a third consecutive session of gains, as the market braces for Israel to retaliate against Iran.
The risk of oil supply disruptions increases as fighting in the Middle East intensifies, but OPEC+ is sitting on a large amount of spare crude that could step into the breach, according to Claudio Galimberti, chief economist at Rystad Energy.
U.S. crude oil has gained 5% this week.
"That would add a significant risk premium to oil," he told CNBC's "Street Signs Europe."
As a consequence, oil prices could surge to $200 per barrel if Israel hits Iran's oil infrastructure, he said.
Persons:
Claudio Galimberti, Galimberti, Bjarne Schieldrop, Schieldrop, CNBC's
Organizations:
Rystad Energy
Locations:
Israel, Iran, OPEC, Swedish, Strait, Hormuz