Oil prices: Oil prices showed little movement in early Asian trading on Friday, as easing concerns over potential supply disruptions offset pressure from rising US stockpiles. Brent crude fell by three cents, or 0.05%, to USD 63.73 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose by four cents, or 0.07%, to USD 59.22 a barrel.

According to Qatar News Agency, market sentiment was supported by a decline in fears of possible supply disruptions linked to the prospect of a US military strike against Iran, which had previously raised concerns about regional instability and its impact on oil flows. However, gains were limited after data released this week by the US Energy Information Administration showed that crude oil and gasoline inventories rose well above analysts’ expectations, adding pressure to prices.

Traders are now weighing geopolitical risks against signs of ample supply, as markets look for clearer signals on both demand and production trends.