Oil prices rose on Thursday as markets assessed potential US sanctions on Russian oil and a blockade of Venezuelan tankers. Brent crude gained 42 cents to $60.10 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 44 cents to $56.38. According to Reuters, Washington may target Russia's shadow fleet and traders if Moscow rejects a Ukraine peace deal, a move analysts say could pose a greater supply risk than the Venezuelan blockade. The US blockade threatens 600,000 barrels per day of Venezuelan exports, mostly to China, though 160,000 barrels per day bound for the US continue under existing authorisations. Enforcement remains uncertain after the US Coast Guard seized a Venezuelan tanker last week. Venezuelan crude accounts for about 1 per cent of global supply, with weak demand and floating storage in Asia limiting its market impact. Attribution: Reuters