Oil prices jumped in the first session of the New Year, boosted by the chances of Middle East supply disruptions after a naval clash in the Red Sea, as well as hopes of strong holiday demand and an economic stimulus in China, the top importer of crude.
Brent crude rose $1.28, or 1.7%, to $78.32 a barrel by 0438 GMT while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at $72.69 a barrel, up $1.04, or 1.5%.
A Reuters survey of economists and analysts predicted Brent crude would average $82.56 a barrel this year, slightly higher than the 2023 average of $82.17, as weak global growth is expected to cap demand, though geopolitical tensions could provide support.
Serinus Energy plc (LON:SENX) is an international oil company with operations in Romania and Tunisia. The focus of the Company is to enhance shareholder value by growing oil and gas production through the efficient allocation of capital.