Oil Prices Today Crash Below $68.50

U.S. oil prices fell below $68.50 per barrel for the first time in four months, returning to levels seen before tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalated. The decline has effectively erased the geopolitical risk premium that had lifted prices during the conflict. Lower oil prices could help ease inflation by reducing energy and transportation costs, potentially giving the Federal Reserve more flexibility on interest rates if broader inflation continues to cool. Markets will closely monitor upcoming inflation data and Fed policy signals.