Brent crude rises to $81.66 amid supply concerns

Brent crude futures gained $1.09, or 1.35 percent, to US$81.66 per barrel after touching an intraday high of US$82.30 at the start of trading.

The increase was driven by renewed concerns over global oil supplies and uncertainty surrounding energy shipments through key Middle East export routes, supporting crude prices in early trading.

Last week, oil prices retreated after a recent rally sparked by fears of supply disruptions in the Middle East, as investors monitored indications of easing regional tensions and smoother shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz.