Oil prices fell on Friday, with Brent trading near $75 a barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate near $72. Both benchmarks were on track for weekly declines of about 7% as supply concerns eased after more tankers resumed transits through the Strait of Hormuz following the ceasefire that reopened the waterway.
Data cited in the report showed crude shipments through the strait rose this week to their highest level since the conflict began in February, although overall vessel traffic remained well below the pre-conflict average of about 125 ships a day.
Prices had risen more than 2% on Thursday after a cargo vessel was struck near Oman. UK Maritime Trade Operations said an unknown projectile damaged containers, with no reported fire or environmental impact.
The International Maritime Organization said it had temporarily paused its voluntary evacuation operation pending further clarity after the attack and said the vessel involved had not transited under that framework. The evacuation plan, launched earlier in the week with member states and industry, was intended to help more than 11,000 stranded seafarers leave the region.