The jumps in oil prices will worsen inflation, just when it had begun to decelerate by more than economists expected.

Brent crude rose above US$95 a barrel for the first time in nearly six weeks amid fears of supply disruptions from escalating US-Iran tensions.

Main oil contract Brent North Sea surged toward US$100 a barrel on Thursday (Jul 23) as Tehran-backed Houthi rebels targeted Red Sea shipping, raising fears that the Middle East…