Iranian tanker. Photo: wiki commons.

Reuters – Benchmark Brent crude prices rose to nearly $118 a barrel on Friday, stoking fears that surging energy costs could harm fragile economic growth. Days earlier, Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi said he was worried by high prices and the kingdom would take steps to moderate them.

Iranian oil officials say oil prices are still fairly low and deny there is any danger of current prices hampering growth.

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