UK households will pay almost triple the price to heat their homes this winter compared with a year ago, a jarring increase for millions of people already struggling to afford everyday essentials.

Brent rose 45 cents, or 0.4%, to $101.67 a barrel, WTI was up 32 cents, or 0.3%, at $95.21 a barrel.

The EU’s sixth round of sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine includes a ban on Russian oil, as well as the use by third countries of the bloc’s companies for insurance and financial services.

UK was facing a “catastrophic winter”, telling the BBC that half of all households could fall into fuel poverty without intervention.

Brent gained 42 cents, or 0.4%, to $96.90 a barrel, WTI rose 40 cents, or 0.4%, to $90.76 a barrel.

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $99.66 a barrel

Russia’s Gazprom will halt flows on its key Nord Stream gas pipeline for three days of repairs on Aug. 31, again raising concerns it won’t return after the work.

Brent fell $1.60, or 1.6%, to $95.12 a barrel, WTI were down $1.56, or 1.7%, at $89.21 a barrel.

Benchmark futures rose as much as 16%, also driving up electricity prices to fresh records. The key Nord Stream pipeline will stop for three days of maintenance on Aug. 31, again raising concerns that the link won’t return to service as planned after the works.

Brent fell 36 cents, or 0.4%, to $96.23 a barrel, WTI was at $90.29 a barrel, down 21 cents.