Oil Prices Rise Over Iran Sanctions Worries

 

File Photo

Oil prices rose on Thursday, fuelled by expectations the United States will re-impose sanctions against Iran, a decline in output in Venezuela and ongoing strong demand.

Brent crude oil futures were at 74.27 per barrel at 0643 GMT, up 27 cents, or 0.4 percent, from their last close.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were up 14 cents, or 0.2 percent, at $68.19 per barrel.

Traders said markets climbed on expectations that the United States will in May re-impose sanctions against Iran, a major oil producer and member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that he expected U.S. President Donald Trump to pull out of a deal with Iran reached in 2015, in which Iran suspended its nuclear program in return for western powers lifting crippling sanctions.

Stay updated with the latest Nigerian news from Information Nigeria