JERUSALEM, July 22 (Reuters) - The rise in new suppliers ofoil and gas has reduced the ability of Iran to influence globaloil markets, U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry said on Monday.
The price of crude jumped on Monday following Iran'sseizure on Friday of a British-flagged oil tanker in the Straitof Hormuz, but had pared initial, steep gains by 1427 GMT.
"I am concerned about it," Perry told a news conference inJerusalem, referring to the price rise that followed the ship'scapture. "But we find ourselves in a completely differentsituation than we were a decade ago."
"New suppliers should help keep a steady supply of fuel -whether it's crude, natural gas or other secondary products. Ithink you will see less displacement of the market when there isan event like we see happening," he said.
"The Iranians will have a more difficult time in influencingthe market than they would have 10 years ago."(Reporting by Steven Scheer; Editing by Dale Hudson)