Oil prices surge after suspected attacks on tankers

World oil prices surged Thursday on reports that two tankers had been attacked in the Gulf of Oman, worsening frayed tensions in the crude-rich Middle East region, analysts said. The surge in oil prices boosted share prices of energy companies, while global stock markets also won some support from the prospect of US interest rate cuts this year. Rising hopes of a rate cut has helped to offset lingering tensions over the long-running trade war between Washington and Beijing.