Oil prices have risen after Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels said they attacked a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea, denting hopes of a de-escalation in Iran war hostilities that could restore shipping traffic and oil flows in the Middle East, Reuters reports.
Brent crude futures were up $1.51, or 1.9 per cent, at $80.87 a barrel by 11:23 GMT (4:23pm PKT). US West Texas Intermediate futures gained 90 cents, or 1.19pc, to $76.67.
The Houthis said they had launched a missile attack on a Saudi oil tanker off the coast of Yanbu, a key port for Saudi crude oil exports. Saudi officials did not respond immediately to a request for comment.
