New Delhi, 20 April (H.S.):

Crude oil prices surged in early trading on Monday as rising tensions in the Middle East and fears of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz unsettled global energy markets. Brent crude jumped 6.5 percent to $96.27 a barrel, while WTI crude advanced 7.5 percent to $90 a barrel.

The spike came amid growing concerns that supply flows could be interrupted in the international market if tensions around the strategic waterway intensify further. Traders reacted sharply to the risk of supply disruption, sending both major benchmarks higher in volatile trade.

At one point during the session, WTI crude was up $5.20, or 6.20 percent, at $89.05 a barrel. Brent crude was also trading higher by $4.81, or 5.32 percent, at $95.19 a barrel, indicating sustained bullish momentum in the global oil market.

The latest move reflects how quickly geopolitical stress in West Asia is feeding into commodity markets. Crude prices have been swinging sharply in recent sessions as investors assess the possibility of tighter supplies and further instability in the region.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar