Oil prices were mostly flat today. Both benchmarks have been rallying since tensions flared up in the Middle East. “Oil prices are wavering as energy traders await to see if the U.S. diplomatic efforts will be successful in preventing the Israel-Hamas conflict from turning into a wider regional war,” said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at OANDA. Providing some support to prices, U.S. retail sales increased more than expected in September as households stepped up purchases of motor vehicles and spent more at restaurants and bars. Weighing on prices with the possibility of increased supply, Venezuela’s government and opposition are set to resume long-suspended talks on Tuesday, which could lead to Washington easing sanctions, multiple sources said. WTI stayed unchanged at $86.66. Brent traded up $.25 to close at $89.90.