Oil edges up on uncertainty over exports through Hormuz

Aug 19 : Oil prices ticked higher in early trade on Wednesday, climbing for a fourth straight day on supply uncertainty as investors weighed conflicting messages from Tehran and Washington on whether the Strait of Hormuz is open to ships. Brent crude futures climbed 26 cents, or 0.29 per cent, to $91.28 by 0004 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 37 cents to $85.31 a barrel. Both contracts closed on Tuesday at their highest since July 24 as hopes of peace between the U.S. and Iran faded.U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday no talks were taking place with Iran and insisted the Strait of Hormuz was open, contradicting Iran's assertion that the critical waterway remained shut to shipping. A temporary ceasefire agreement expired on Monday and a senior Iranian o