Crude oil futures ended mixed overnight, with the U.S. benchmark West Texas intermediate crude under pressure from supply worries while Europe’s Brent crude was supported by increased tensions over Ukraine and continued turmoil in the Middle East.
WTI crude oil for September delivery fell 0.7% to settle at US$100.97 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
On the London’s ICE, September Brent oil rose 0.1% to end at US$107.72 a barrel.
The European Union today prepared to toughen sanctions targeting Russia’s financial system in an effort to raise pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin for Moscow’s alleged support of pro-Russian militants in eastern Ukraine.
Israeli forces stepped up attacks against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip as Israel’s leaders told the country to prepare for a prolonged operation.
