The market is focused on nuclear talks between the US and the Middle Eastern country, but signs of a breakdown in negotiations have emerged, leading to a slight rise in international crude oil prices on May 19.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for June delivery increased by US$0.20, reaching US$62.69/barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude for the July delivery rose by US$0.13, settling at US$65.54/barrel.