Crude Oil Rises as US Vows to Intensify Attacks on Houthis

As a result, Brent futures went up by 49 cents or 0.7 per cent to $71.07 per barrel and the US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures gained 40 cents or 0.6 per cent to settle at $67.58 a barrel.

The US carried out airstrikes that reportedly killed at least 53 people.

This is the biggest US military operation in the Middle East since President Donald Trump took office in January.

According to Reuters, the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah and the Al Jawf governorate north of the capital Sanaa were targeted on Monday.

Mr Trump said on Monday he would hold Iran responsible for any attacks carried out by the Houthi group that it backs in Yemen.

Meanwhile, the Houthi group said it would target US ships in the Red Sea as long as the country continues its attacks on Yemen.

Also, Chinese economic data buoyed hopes for higher demand.

Retail sales growth quickened in the world’s largest oil importer in January-February, indicating positive signs to boost domestic consumption.

However, unemployment rose and factory output eased.

Support also came as the US Dollar eased against a basket of currencies as investors worried about the economic fallout from President Trump’s protectionist trade policies.

A weaker Dollar makes oil less expensive for overseas buyers, boosting demand.

On the supply front, the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) plan to raise oil output from April has also pressured prices.

However, market analysts noted that the prospect of tighter US sanctions against Iran more than offsets the gradual OPEC+ production increase.

The market will also looking forward to and to the Russia-Ukraine war as President Trump said he would speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday about ending the Ukraine war.