New york: Oil prices continued to rise on Thursday at settlement amid concerns over potential disruptions to shipping and supply due to the war in the Middle East. Brent crude rose by $4.09, or 5.02 percent, to settle at $85.49 per barrel. According to Qatar News Agency, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude, the US benchmark, climbed $6, or 8 percent, to $81.01 per barrel at settlement, marking its highest level since July 2024.