Oil prices edged higher on Wednesday, recovering from a five-week low as traders weighed the risk of supply disruption amid escalating trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi over Russian crude purchases. Brent crude rose 0.6 per cent to $68.07 a barrel and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained 0.6 per cent to $65.56 by 03:30 GMT, rebounding after a more than $1 drop on Tuesday. The recovery followed threats by US President Donald Trump to impose higher tariffs on Indian goods unless it reduces purchases of Russian oil — a move ING analysts said could unsettle global crude flows if other buyers follow suit, though the market could absorb India's absence alone. Analysts at Nomura noted any curbs on Indian imports could tighten supply, but expected WTI to remain in the $60-$70 range if flows remain steady. Prices were pressured earlier in the week after OPEC+ confirmed plans to add 547,000 barrels per day of output in September — ending cuts earlier than expected — stoking oversupply worries following four straight sessions of losses. US crude stockpile data also provided some support, with API figures showing a 4.2 million-barrel draw, far exceeding expectations. Attribution: Reuters Subediting: M.S.Salama
