Oil prices settled slightly higher today after a choppy trading session. Both benchmarks briefly turned negative following the EIA report but traded up later in the day on news of of more maritime carriers staying clear of the red sea. “The possibility of a significant price downturn would appear likely on first suggestion of stabilization of cargo transits through the Red Sea corridor,” said John Ritterbusch, president of Ritterbusch and Associates LLC in Galena, Illinois. About 12% of world shipping traffic passes up the Red Sea and through the Suez Canal. Although oil supply has been realigned, no shortages have yet emerged, analysts said. WTI traded up $.28 or .4% to close at $74.22. Brent traded up $.47 or .6% to close at $79.70.