Middle East Tension Pushes Oil Prices Higher

New York, NY, April 25, 2011 -- Oil prices rose for a fourth day in New York, the longest rising streak since December, as increasing violence in the Middle East and Africa threatened supply disruptions.

Futures advanced as much as 0.7 percent after Syrian security forces clashed with protesters while unrest showed no sign of ending in Yemen.

Oil for June delivery rose as much as 78 cents to $113.07 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Brent crude oil for June settlement increased 46 cents, or 0.4 percent, to $124.45 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange.