Energy prices were broadly higher in afternoon trading Friday (May 15, 2026), with benchmark crude oil futures posting gains as traders tracked shifting supply signals across global markets. As of 2:01 pm Friday in Tokyo, WTI was up $1.24 at $102.41, a 1.23% increase. Brent crude rose $1.24 to $106.96 , up 1.17%, while Murban crude gained $0.55 to $104.70 , a 0.53% advance. Refined products also moved higher. Gasoline futures climbed 0.034 to $3.640 , up 0.94%, and heating oil rose 0.036 to $3.941, a 0.92% gain. Natural gas edged up 0.027 to $2.921 , a 0.93% increase. Price moves were more mixed across regional crude benchmarks. Geopolitical risks The gains reflected continued sensitivity in oil markets to expectations around supply availability, including production discipline among major exporters and fluctuating trade flows tied to geopolitical risks and shipping constraints.…