Oil prices rose on Friday and are on track for a weekly gain of more than 1%, as tensions in the world's top oil-producing region, the Middle East, and a restart in Gaza ceasefire talks in the coming days kept traders on edge.
Both benchmarks settled down 58 cents a barrel in the previous session after prices fluctuated against expectations of heightened or reduced tensions in the Middle East.
Oil traders are waiting for Israel's response to a missile attack by Iran on Oct. 1 that may involve hitting Tehran's oil infrastructure and disrupt supplies, although reports said Israel would strike Iranian military, not nuclear or oil, targets.
U.S. and Israeli officials are set to restart talks for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza in the coming days.
Ceasefire talks have a small net negative impact on oil prices, Sycamore said, adding the focus is more on the conflict in Lebanon and Israel's potential response to Iran.
Persons:
Tony Sycamore, Israel, Antony Blinken, Sycamore
Organizations:
Brent, West Texas, NPC, East ., U.S
Locations:
Gaza, East, Iran, United States, Lebanon, France, China