LONDON: Brent crude has inched lower and reached $97 a barrel as the United States and its allies in Middle East launched strikes against so-called Islamic State strongholds in Syria.
Meanwhile, US crude rose 31 cents to $91.18 a barrel, rebounding from a session low of $90.58 that was its weakest since Sept. 11.
Oil prices fell to a two-year low last week under the weight of a supply glut and tepid demand, but prices have stabilised as pockets of strength in the world economy have emerged and as tensions have risen in the Middle East.
Brent for November delivery fell 12 cents to settle at $96.85 a barrel after climbing as high as $97.59 a barrel in early trading. It hit a two-year low of $96.21 last week.
