Omani crude closes at a record high of $144.36

The crude price increased by US$ 9.61 from Thursday's price of $134.75

The price surpassed $144 per barrel today, exceeding the previous all-time high of $141.27 recorded in July 2008.

Global oil prices held gains above $100 Friday, and most equity markets dropped after Iran's leader called for the blocking of the crucial Strait of Hormuz and the opening up of new fronts in the war against the United States and Israel.

With the conflict heading towards its third week and showing no signs of ending, investors are growing increasingly worried about an extended crisis that could fan inflation and hammer the global economy.