Asian refiners' robust demand for Middle Eastern crude is driving a rapid surge in benchmark prices, Bloomberg reported on September 5. The UAE's benchmark Murban futures are currently trading at $106.10 per barrel, while DME Oman crude, priced for the Asian market, is at $99.18 per barrel, nearing the $100 mark. The protracted conflict in the Middle East, ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, and Saudi Arabia's oil exports falling to their lowest level since 2017 have tightened supply, further intensifying the scramble for crude in the Asian market. Indian Oil Corp., as well as South Korean and Japanese refiners, are major buyers, and are also increasing purchases of crude from Brazil, Canada, Argentina, and Russia's ESPO blend, with the premium for Russian ESPO crude having risen to a record high.