India, July 31 -- Oil prices were a tad lower on Friday but headed for sharp monthly gains on fears of further disruptions to Middle Eastern energy supplies.

Brent crude futures fell slightly at $86.85 a barrel but were on track to gain more than 20 percent for the month.

WTI crude futures slipped 0.3 percent to $83.31 following reports that more oil was passing through the Strait of Hormuz. On a monthly basis, the contract was set for a gain of more than 15 percent.

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