Summary The price increase reflected growing concerns about oil supply security in the Middle East as regional geopolitical tensions intensified, the outlet said.
(Web Desk) - Oil prices rose early Thursday in Asian trading following news that the United States ordered nonessential diplomats and family members to leave its missions in Saudi Arabia amid escalating Houthi attacks on the kingdom.
Brent crude futures climbed $1.29, or 1.2%, to $110.11 a barrel as of 12:34 a.m. GMT, rebounding after settling largely flat Wednesday, Reuters reported.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 97 cents, or 1%, to $98.12 a barrel, recovering from a 67-cent loss in the previous session.
The price increase reflected growing concerns about oil supply security in the Middle East as regional geopolitical tensions intensified, the outlet said.
"The U.S. Department of State issued an ordered departure for non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members in Saudi Arabia only," Pigott said.
The order comes amid a surge in Houthi missile and drone attacks that has left civilians dead, disrupted air travel and sent Saudi Arabia scrambling for additional missile defenses.
"Iranian-supported Houthis have increasingly engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions," Pigott added.
President Donald Trump is weighing whether to launch direct U.S. military strikes against the Houthis, whose expanding missile and drone campaign has increasingly threatened Saudi cities, airports and energy infrastructure.
