Oil prices surge as Houthi attacks on Saudi tankers stoke supply fears

International oil prices rallied on Thursday after Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, compounding supply concerns amid lingering uncertainties over the Strait of Hormuz.

The West Texas Intermediate for September delivery went up 2.07 U.S. dollars, or 2.75 percent, to settle at 77.29 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Brent crude for October delivery gained 3.04 dollars, or 3.83 percent, to settle at 82.49 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.

Oil prices surge as Houthi attacks on Saudi tankers stoke supply fears

Crude futures settle higher

International gold and silver prices closed lower on Thursday.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, gold futures for December delivery dropped 0.13 percent to settle at 4,299.60 U.S. dollars per ounce, while silver futures for September delivery slipped 1.09 percent to close at 61.606 dollars per ounce.

Gold, silver futures drop on Thursday