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Brent crude futures rose more than 2 percent in early trading after reports of increased naval activity near strategic maritime corridors used for oil and gas transport. Energy markets remain highly sensitive to developments in the region.
Analysts said even limited disruptions could have an outsized impact on prices, given ongoing production cuts by major exporters and steady global demand during the northern hemisphere winter.
Governments and international shipping groups are closely monitoring the situation, while oil-importing countries have warned that prolonged instability could add pressure to inflation already affecting consumers worldwide.
