Tankers near Oman come under fire as oil gives back some war gains
What's new: A tanker was hit near Oman, another reported an explosion nearby, and Brent slipped below $90 even as Gulf shipping risks grew.
A tanker near Oman was struck overnight and another vessel reported an explosion nearby, widening fears over shipping through Gulf routes as the US-Iran war intensifies. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre said the hit tanker suffered engine-room damage about 11 nautical miles northeast of Oman, leaving it not under command, with no casualties or environmental impact reported. The incidents came as Iran warned US pressure would tighten its grip on regional shipping and Kuwait said its air defenses confronted hostile drones. Even so, oil prices eased after a sharp surge, with Brent down 1.06% to $89.78 a barrel and WTI down 0.76% to $83.82, as crude continued to move through alternative channels despite heavy disruption around the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.