The Globe and Mail reports in its Monday edition that oil prices hit a six-month high on Friday, and are expected to rise further on Monday following Iran's attack on Israel. A Reuters dispatch to The Globe reports that the extent of these gains, however, may depend on how Israel chooses to respond to Iran. On Saturday Iran attacked Israel in retaliation for a suspected Israeli attack on its consulate in Syria on April 1. Iran's actions have raised concerns of the conflict spreading.
Last week, concerns that Iran would respond to the strike on its embassy in Damascus supported oil prices, and helped to send Brent crude on Friday to $92.18 a barrel, the highest since October (all figures U.S.). Brent settled up 71 cents at $90.45, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures rose 64 cents to $85.66. Trading was closed on Sunday.
PVM oil broker Tamas Varga said: "It is only reasonable to expect stronger prices when trading resumes. Having said that, there has been no impact on production so far, and Iran has said that 'the matter can be deemed concluded.' However fierce and painful the initial market reaction will be, the rally could prove to be short-lived unless supply from the region is materially disrupted."
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