By Shariq Khan BENGALURU (Reuters) -Oil prices fell nearly 2% on Thursday as more shipping companies said they were ready to transit the Red Sea route, easing concerns about supply disruptions as Middle Eastern tensions stay elevated. The more active Brent crude futures for March delivery were down $1.53, or 1.9%, at $78.01 by 12:56 p.m. ET (1756 GMT). Brent futures for February delivery, which expire after Thursday’s settlement, fell 1.3% to $78.58 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell by $1.40, or 1.9%, to $72.71 a barrel. Oil prices dropped nearly 2% on Wednesday as majo…