Muscat: Oil prices steadied in early trading today after falling for three consecutive sessions as a US trade deal with Japan signaled progress on tariffs and a poll showed US crude stockpiles fell last week, indicating stronger demand. Brent crude futures rose 33 cents, or 0.48%, to $68.92 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 33 cents, or 0.51%, to $65.64 per barrel.

According to Oman News Agency, oil had fallen in the previous session after the EU said it was considering countermeasures against US tariffs, as hope faded for a deal ahead of the 1st August deadline.