Brent crude oil prices breached $139 per barrel in early trade on March 7 due to the possibility of a ban on Russian oil exports as well as delays in a U.S.–Iran deal, which has been further complicated by the war in Ukraine. As it touched $139.13 a barrel, Brent crude prices broke through the peak hit in July 2008. Prices subsequently fell and were trading around $123 at 4:40 p.m. UTC. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) price hit $130.50, its highest since July 2008, and was trading at $117 as of 5:11 p.m. UTC. Oil prices have risen by over 60 percent this year and many experts are predicting for it to go up further because of the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict. The United States, along with European allies, are exploring the option of banning Russian oil imports, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed on Sunday. However, this has …