Crude oil prices rose on Monday as storms closed in on the Gulf of Mexico, shutting more than half its oil production, and on signs of progress in the development of a COVID-19 treatment. Brent crude LCOc1 was up 32 cents, or 0.7%, at $44.67 a barrel by 0753 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude CLc1 rose 31 cents, or 0.7%, to $42.65. “Prices are taking their cues from Mother Nature this morning as two storms bear down on the Gulf of Mexico. Half of the region’s production has been shut down, though gains will be limited by the threat of a second prolonged COVID wave,” said Stephen Brennock of oil broker PVM. Energy companies […]