Oil prices rose on Thursday even as the Iranian government confirmed that a deal with Oman to partially reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping was progressing and in the final stages, Bloomberg reported.
West Texas Intermediate September crude oil futures, the US benchmark, rose $0.97, or 1.3% to $76.19 per barrel. Brent crude oil, the international benchmark, rose $1.35, or 1.7% to $80.77 a barrel for October delivery.
Traders remained cautious as the UK's Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which monitors international shipping routes, reported an Aug. 5 drone attack on a vessel off the coast of Yemen and another attack "in close proximity" to a ship in the Gulf of Aden.
Comex gold for December delivery edged up $20.10, or 0.5%, to $4,325.60 per ounce.
In agricultural commodities, September wheat futures fell 0.2% to $6.41 per bushel, while November canola futures rose 0.6% to C$770.30 per tonne.