TOKYO/SINGAPORE: Oil prices surged more than 3 percent on Thursday, extending a rally as the escalating US-Israeli war with Iran raised fears of prolonged disruptions to vital Middle East oil and gas supplies. Brent crude advanced $2.65, or 3.26 percent, to $83.99 per barrel by 08:20 am Saudi time, a fifth session of gains. US West Texas Intermediate crude rose $2.76, or 3.70 percent, to $77.42.

The conflict in the Middle East has sent oil prices soaring, as Brent Crude hit a new 52-week high on Monday.

JEDDAH: Oil prices surged by as much as 13 percent on March 2 after retaliatory Iranian attacks disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, following Israeli and US strikes on…