Pakistan, Sept. 9 -- Oil prices rose for a fourth straight session on Wednesday. Fresh attacks across the Middle East increased fears of further supply disruptions. Brent crude futures climbed 1.4% to $99.33 per barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude also gained 1.4% to $94.34. Brent has risen about 25% since early August. Prices are now approaching the key $100 mark.

The latest gains followed a sharp escalation in the regional conflict. Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen attacked several Saudi cities on Tuesday. The attacks further involved Saudi Arabia, a major US ally and oil producer. Meanwhile, US forces struck several Iranian oil tankers. Iran also attacked a US military base in Jordan. These developments have increased concerns abo...