Officials in the administration of US President Donald Trump are conducting simulations to assess the economic consequences if oil prices rise to $200 per barrel. According to Bloomberg, such modeling is regularly performed during periods of geopolitical tension and is not considered a baseline forecast, but aims to prepare the administration for various scenarios.

Sources indicate that even before the escalation in the Middle East, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent allegedly expressed concerns about potential oil price increases. Staff at his department reportedly communicated these risks to the White House for several weeks, though White House press secretary Kush Desai claimed the administration is not considering a $200-per-barrel scenario, despite regularly evaluating economic risks.

Bloomberg notes that even a more moderate price increase to $170 per barrel could accelerate inflation in the US and Europe and slow economic growth. In the US, retail gasoline prices have already risen by approximately 30%, highlighting the potential adverse effects of oil price fluctuations. This analysis underscores the challenges faced by the US regime in planning economic responses to geopolitical conflicts, with official statements purportedly downplaying the risks amid ongoing volatility.

Source: kun.uz