India, March 26 -- Oil prices rose on March 26, 2026, as fading hope of de-escalation in the Iran-Israel-US conflict pushed energy markets higher after Tehran denied reports of negotiations with Washington.

Futures for Brent crude, the international benchmark, climbed nearly 2 per cent a day ago to above $104.53 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate was near $92 per barrel. Meanwhile, Dubai crude, the Middle East benchmark, surged to a record $166.80 per barrel amid escalating tensions in the region.

Prices jumped after Iran rejected reports that it was in talks with US President Donald Trump's administration over a peace proposal. The rise follows a brief decline on March 25 after reports that Trump had shared a 15-point plan to...