Crude oil prices continued to inch higher for the fourth day straight, staying beyond the $85 per barrel mark, on Thursday. The hike comes as investors react to a fresh escalation in the conflict between the United States and Iran, with concerns mounting over the security of major global energy shipping routes.

Oil prices soared sharply on Monday as the Middle East was once again embroiled in chaos. Crude prices jumped 4% as fresh military action between Iran and the United States…

Crude oil prices soared nearly 5% on July 13, with Brent nearing $80 per barrel, as escalating US-Iran strikes fueled market volatility and supply concerns.