New Delhi, July 23 -- As Brent crude neared USD 97 per barrel on Thursday, with an increased likelihood of crossing the USD 100-per-barrel mark as seen in March, India's current account deficit is expected to widen, while inflation could increase to 4.1 per cent, according to analysts.

Brent crude was trading at around USD 95.91 per barrel while crude oil was trading at around USD 88.06 per barrel at the time of reporting.

As per market analyst Ajay Bagga, the continued crude oil and gas disruptions with elevated geopolitical risk is overlaying a recovery in the chips and AI trade.

He said, "With Brent at USD 96, and with Houthi's striking Saudi tankers in the Red Sea , oil prices seem headed to USD 100, stressing "Peace hopes have red...