Middle East Conflict Escalates as Oil Prices Surge Past $100 on Supply Disruption Fears

Oil prices jumped over 3% early Monday as Brent crude surged past $106 per barrel, with WTI trading above $102, after the Houthis claimed a large-scale missile and drone attack on Saudi Arabia and the postponement of a crunch diplomatic meeting between Gulf states and Iran raised fresh fears of extended supply disruption. Oman's Energy Minister Salim Al-Aufi called for alternative LNG export routes bypassing the Strait of Hormuz at the Gastech conference in Thailand, warning...