Oil prices increase as tensions in West Asia and the Middle East worsen, according to market reports. Brent crude futures rise by 99 cents, or about 1.2%, reaching $85.72 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures also move higher, gaining 64 cents, or about 0.8%, to $79.98 per barrel. The sources attribute the upward move in prices to heightened hostilities in the region, which raises concerns about potential disruptions to oil supply and keeps market sentiment cautious. While the reports provide the same general rationale and track the same benchmark gains, they do not include further details on specific events or policy actions. Overall, both major crude benchmarks trade higher in the reported period, reflecting a broad increase in oil prices tied to developments in the Middle East.