India, Aug. 21 -- Global crude prices remained largely steady on Friday but were heading towards their second consecutive weekly gain, as the prolonged conflict between the US and Iran continued to threaten oil supplies from the Middle East. Brent crude was up 4 cents at $93.82 a barrel by 0142 GMT, after rising 2.4% in the previous session. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures slipped 6 cents to $86.78 a barrel, following a 2.3% increase a day earlier.

Why Are Oil Prices Rising?

The latest gains have been driven by uncertainty over how long disruptions to oil production and exports in the region will continue. Brent has gained more than 7% over the past five sessions, while WTI has advanced more than 8%. Both benchmarks reached the...