Brent crude neared $100 a barrel after attacks on Saudi energy assets and continued disruptions around Middle East shipping routes. Goldman Sachs and HSBC warned prices could rise to about $120 if flows through the Persian Gulf remain constrained.
News Mash
Saudi Arabia says Houthi drone and missile attacks wounded 73 people and disrupted energy operations in southern cities. The Houthis say the strikes were retaliation for recent Saudi attacks on areas they control in Yemen.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s family called for singer D4vd, born David Anthony Burke, to face the death penalty after he was ordered to stand trial in her killing. Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges tied to the 14-year-old’s death and dismemberment.
Britain will ban imports of goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and create a broader sanctions regime, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced. Israel and the U.S. criticized the move and warned of possible repercussions.
Police in southern France are searching for two thieves who broke into the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer and stole paintings valued at about $10.5 million. Reports differed on how many works remain missing after some were abandoned or recovered in the museum garden.
New Hampshire voters are choosing nominees for an open Senate seat created by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s retirement. The primaries also feature competitive House contests and a governor’s race headed by Republican Kelly Ayotte.
Saudi Arabia said Houthi attacks hit civilian and energy sites in the south of the kingdom, wounding 73 people and igniting fires at oil facilities. The Houthis said the strikes were retaliation for recent Saudi attacks in Yemen.
Iran has doubled gasoline prices for motorists who use more than 110 liters a month, the second increase since December. Officials say the move affects 15% of consumers, but residents fear it will worsen inflation and daily costs.