Oil prices rise as U.S. reportedly prepares to send third carrier to Mideast
Crude oil prices rose sharply Thursday following a report the U.S. is sending a third aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East. Brent crude, the international benchmark, jumped 4.4% to close at $102.31 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures climbed 2.7% to settle at $92.87 a barrel. U.S. officials told the Wall…