Oil prices rose on Thursday after an oil tanker was reportedly hijacked in the Gulf of Oman, according to UK Marine Trade Operations (UKMTO). The vessel, located east of Sohar, Oman, was boarded by 4-5 armed individuals wearing military-style uniforms and masks. The tankers’ communication was subsequently lost, and it altered course toward Iranian territorial waters. The hijacked tanker, known as the ST NIKOLAS, was carrying Iraqi oil and was previously seized by the US government for transporting Iranian oil. The incident comes amidst heightened tensions in Middle Eastern shipping lanes. Additionally, attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea earlier in the week led to nearly a 2% increase in oil prices. The situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety and security of oil tankers in the region.
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