February WTI crude oil (CLG24) this morning is up +1.08 (+1.49%), and Feb RBOB gasoline (RBG24) is up +2.03 (+0.95%). Crude oil and gasoline prices this morning are moderately higher. Today’s better-than-expected U.S. economic news is positive for energy demand and crude prices. Also, heightened geopolitical risks in the Middle East are lifting crude prices as the U.S. military targeted 14 Houthi missile launch sites overnight in Yemen as Houthi rebels continue to attack ships in the Red Sea off Yemen’s coast. Gains in crude accelerated after weekly EIA crude inventories fell more than expecte…