Sky news update23 Apr 2026 06:40
oil prices have risen steadily as hopes for peace in the middle east are tested.
brent crude, the international benchmark, is trading at $103 a barrel.
it's a rise of almost $6 on the levels seen 24 hours ago after the prospects for peace talks between the us and iran in ****stan fell away - and both sides targeted shipping.iran captured two container vessels seeking to exit the gulf, while the reuters news agency, citing shipping and security sources, reported that the us military had intercepted at least three iranian-flagged tankers in asian waters.
oil market analysts said the incidents have intensified focus on the shaky nature of the us ceasefire and the fact that the strait remains shut to shipping, threatening ever deeper damage to the global economy.