Oil prices edge up as China halts fuel exports, US ramps up Middle East presence

Oil prices have recorded a modest increase following China's suspension of fuel exports and heightened American military deployment in the Middle East. The United States plans to expand its troop presence and deploy additional aircraft carriers to the region, fuelling global concerns about potential supply disruptions.

Meanwhile, the US has urged European nations to reduce their emergency diesel stockpiles, creating mixed signals in the oil market this week. The combination of export halts and geopolitical tensions is driving price volatility as traders assess the impact on global energy supplies.