Oil prices rose on Thursday, January 18, amid tensions in the Middle East. If Houthi attacks on ships persist, it could lead to a shortage of tankers, Reuters reports. Brent crude oil futures increased by 0.6% to $78.35, and WTI crude oil futures rose by 1.0% to $73.25 per barrel. Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea have forced many companies to reroute cargoes around Africa, resulting in increased travel time and expenses. On January 17, the United States launched another round of strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen in response to attacks on shipping. The Houthis, supported by Iran, claim t…