The rise in oil prices accelerated further on Thursday, driven by the conflict in the Middle East, which continues to hinder Gulf oil exports and is spreading towards the Red Sea, with a new offensive from the Houthi rebels in Yemen.<\/p>
As of 15:45 GMT (17:45 in Paris), the price of Brent crude oil for November delivery was up 5.01% at $106.28, the highest since May. Its American equivalent, West Texas Intermediate crude for October delivery, gained 4.89% to $100.75.<\/p>
