Oil prices today: Crude climbs to $112 as Middle East energy hubs come under attack amid Iran war

Global oil prices surged and equity markets weakened on Thursday after fresh strikes on energy infrastructure in Iran and in retaliation Islamic Republic escalating threats to key facilities across the Gulf raised concerns over supply disruptions.Natural gas prices increased by more than 5%, while Brent crude rose to $111.19 in early trading and extended its…

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Qatar expels Iranian military, security attachés and staff after strikes on key energy facilities

QatarEnergy says Iranian missiles hit Ras Laffan Industrial City, causing “extensive damage” Qatar on Wednesday expelled key Iranian military and security officials along with their staff from its territory, escalating tensions after missile strikes hit key energy infrastructure in the Gulf. The Qatari Foreign Ministry said on Thursday it had declared the military and security…

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War forces rethink on travel insurance cover and limits

MUMBAI: The conflict in West Asia is prompting both underwriters and policyholders to reassess the efficacy of travel insurance in addressing geopolitical risks, one of the more persistent uncertainties in recent years.Early signals are visible in claims behaviour. “We have received travel inconvenience claims i.e. flight cancellation, trip cancellation/ interruption, accommodation extension etc. We have…

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FOMC policy meeting: Jerome Powell-led US Federal Reserve keeps interest rates unchanged; flags ‘uncertainty’ related to impact of Iran war

Jerome Powell (AP file photo) US Federal Reserve policy: Jerome Powell-led Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) on Wednesday kept interest rates unchanged within the 3.50%-3.75% band. “In support of its goals, the Committee decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 3‑1/2 to 3‑3/4 percent. In considering the extent and timing…

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