*Crude Oil Alert: Israel-Iran Tensions Escalate* Brent crude jumped from $60 to a peak of $78, now hovering around $73, amid rising Middle East tensions. If prices remain above $80 for an extended period, the fallout for Pakistan could be significant: • 🚗 Fuel Prices: Direct upward pressure on domestic petrol/diesel rates • 📈 Inflation: Higher transport and energy costs will fuel price hikes across sectors • 💰 Interest Rates: SBP may hold or raise rates to curb inflationary pressures • 📉 Current Account: Surplus could quickly reverse due to increased import bills 🔍 *Analysis:* For Pakistan—a net oil importer—elevated crude prices are a fiscal time bomb. Rising energy costs will strain public finances, hurt industrial margins, and erode consumer purchasing power. The PSX may see pressure on oil-dependent sectors and rate-sensitive equities if this trend continues.