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Oil rates lost ground as Mideast geopolitical stress eases

Oil prices slipped 1% in early Asian trade on Monday as stress in the Middle East alleviated after Israel withdrew more soldiers from southern Gaza and devoted to fresh talks on a possible ceasefire in the sixmonth conflict.

Brent unrefined futures dropped 94 cents, or 1%, to $ 90.23 a barrel by 2253 GMT after hitting a session low of $ 90.01.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at $86.01 a. barrel, down 90 cents, or 1%, after being up to as low as $85.80.

Israel and Hamas sent out teams to Egypt for fresh talks on a. potential ceasefire ahead of the Eid holidays, easing tensions. in the Middle East that increased oil costs by more than 4% last. week on concerns of supply disruption.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday that. Israel is prepared to deal with any situation that may emerge with Iran,. after Tehran threatened to retaliate for the killing of Iranian. generals on April 1.

The world's top exporter, Saudi Arabia, raised authorities. selling costs for all crude grades to Asia, in line with. expectations.

U.S. oil rigs increased 2 to 508 last week while gas rigs fell. by 2 to 110, their most affordable given that Jan 2022, Baker Hughes. stated in its report on Friday.

(source: Reuters)