A fresh wave of bullishness is washing through the oil-options market as the confrontation between Israel and Iran escalates, with activity led by unusually heavy trading of call options at the week’s open.

The importance of oil and gas can't be underestimated at times when conflicts occur, something that was currently being seen, the head of Saudi oil giant Aramco told an energy conference on Monday.

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could drive oil prices as high as $120 per barrel according to JP Morgan, benefiting Exxon Mobil's earnings outlook. Applying the Graham Number, Exxon Mobil's intrinsic value ranges from $103 to $134 per share, depending on EPS scenarios.

A sustained surge in oil prices is likely to complicate the U.S. fight against inflation. A $10-a-barrel increase would boost year-over-year growth in the Consumer Price Index by 0.5 percentage points,

The Indian rupee is set to extend losses at Monday’s open, weighed by fears that the intensifying Israel-Iran conflict is likely to increase oil prices further.

OIH ETF sees gains with rising oil prices, but cyclical risks and technical resistance near $265 prompt a hold rating despite attractive valuations.

A sustained rise in the price of crude oil, which jumped sharply after Israel attacked Iran, could hurt consumers and President Trump’s efforts to bring down energy costs.

By Wayne Cole SYDNEY (Reuters) -Asian markets kept their nerve on Monday and oil prices climbed anew as the conflict between Israel and Iran showed no sign of cooling, adding geopolitical uncertainty to the world's economic troubles in a week packed with central bank meetings.