Oil rises nearly 1% today as traders assessed a worsening geopolitical situation. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on a Middle East trip to seek an end to the Gaza War, said a Hamas reply to a proposal for a cease-fire was being reviewed on today. Brent and U.S. crude futures initially climbed over $1 per barrel today after the U.S. Energy Department said crude oil production would grow less than forecasted but then gave up some of the gains on talk of a possible lengthy cease-fire in the Gaza War. WTI rose 53 cents per barrel, to settle at $73.31 per barrel. Brent settled at $78.59 per barrel, up 60 cents per barrel. In Canada One Exchange WCS for March delivery settled today at US$19.45 below the WTI-CMA. The implied value was US$53.91.