Oil prices edge higher after Russia-Ukraine tensions escalate
Oil prices edged up on Monday after fighting between Russia and Ukraine intensified over the weekend, although concerns about fuel demand in China, the world's second-largest consumer, and forecasts of a global oil surplus weighed on markets. Brent crude futures gained 20 cents, or 0.3%, to $71.24 a barrel by 0130 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were at $67.11 a barrel, up 9 cents, or 0.1%. In a significant reversal of Washington's policy in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, President Joe Biden's administration has allowed Ukraine to use U.S.-made weapons to strike deep into Russia, two U.S. officials and a source familiar with the decision said on Sunday.