Nigeria, Dec. 19 -- Global oil prices closed slightly higher as traders weighed growing supply risks linked to potential United States sanctions on Russia and disruptions to Venezuelan crude exports.



Brent crude settled at $59.82 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate ended the session at $56.15 per barrel. The modest gains reflected cautious positioning as markets monitored geopolitical developments that could tighten supply in the near term.



Attention remains focused on Washington's stance toward Russia, with renewed speculation that additional measures could target Moscow's energy sector if progress toward ending the war in Ukraine stalls. Analysts say tougher restrictions on Russian oil flows would likely have a more sig...