Oil prices surged more than 1 per cent on Tuesday, reaching their highest levels since the start of the month, as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and expectations of further economic stimulus from China bolstered market sentiment. Brent crude futures rose 1.2 per cent, gaining 84 cents to trade at $71.91 per barrel by 09:11 GMT. Meanwhile, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude climbed 84 cents to $68.42 per barrel. Investors are closely watching developments in the Middle East, which could impact supply, while optimism over Beijing's planned stimulus measures is driving demand expectations. Attribution: Reuters Subediting: Y.Yasser