Oil prices increased on Thursday morning as investors grew concerned over escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which overshadowed a significant build in U.S. crude inventories.Brent crude rose to $69.74 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate reached $65.00, supported by geopolitical risks and signs of a healthy U.S. economy, despite a domestic crude stock increase of 8.5 million barrels that far exceeded analysts’ expectations.
Venezuela’s crude oil production could increase dramatically as soon as this year, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said during his visit in the South American country.
Curious Minds Corner
What is “flaring”?
Flaring is the controlled burning of excess natural gas during oil production.