Oil climbs as Gaza tensions rise, Saudi Arabia hikes prices

SINGAPORE: Oil futures climbed on Monday after Saudi Arabia hiked June crude prices for most regions and as the prospect of a Gaza ceasefire deal appeared slim, renewing fears the Israel-Hamas conflict could still widen in the key oil producing region.

Brent crude futures gained 51 cents, or 0.6%, to $83.47 a barrel at 0636 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were at $78.64 a barrel, up 53 cents, or 0.7%.