Oil prices edged higher on Monday, supported by rising equity markets and a weaker US dollar. West Texas Intermediate crude hovered around $81 per barrel, recovering from Friday’s decline. The softer dollar made dollar-denominated commodities more attractive to investors. Despite recent fluctuations, crude remains on track for a monthly gain, driven by increasing gasoline demand in the US and robust air travel volumes. The market structure indicates tightening supply, while geopolitical risks in the Middle East continue to influence price movements. Analysts remain optimistic about the oil market, expecting a deficit in the third quarter to further tighten the balance.