The United States Department of Energy said Wednesday it will release 172 million barrels from the strategic petroleum reserve “beginning next week,” as the Middle East war disrupted oil prices.

India has stepped up assistance to its citizens in West Asia as escalating regional tensions continue to disrupt travel and safety conditions, with dozens of Indians repatriated from Lebanon and hundreds departing from Qatar on commercial flights.

Stock Market Live Updates Sensex Today: Benchmark indices could resume their decline on Thursday due to a fresh surge in oil prices.