New Delhi, March 7 -- Global crude oil prices could climb to around USD 120 per barrel if the conflict in West Asia continues for a prolonged period, said Manoranjan Sharma, Chief Economist at Infomerics Ratings, warning that an extended geopolitical crisis could significantly disrupt global economic calculations.

Speaking to ANI, Sharma said oil prices have already surged sharply within a short period. "Before the conflict, crude oil prices were below USD 70 per barrel, but they have already risen to around USD 90," he noted.

According to him, if tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran continue to escalate and the conflict lasts longer than expected, oil prices could rise even further.

He explained that earlier expectati...