UAE, Qatar war highlights | After Dubai, Qatar sends phone alerts; Canada sends chartered flight for evacuation

UAE, Qatar war news LIVE: Dubai residents received mobile alerts around 12 pm on Friday, warning of a potential missile threat. The mobile alert advised people to seek shelter. Supermarkets in the city have issued notices to customers regarding limits on fruit and vegetable purchases.

UAE, Qatar war news LIVE updates: An alert issued by the UAE Ministry of Interior warning residents of Dubai and Abu Dhabi of a potential Iranian missile strike is displayed on a mobile phone shortly before a missile was intercepted in Dubai on March 5, 2026. (AFP)

UAE, Qatar war news LIVE updates: The ongoing Middle East conflict triggered by US-Israel strikes on Iran and intensified by latter's retaliation entered the seventh day on Thursday, keeping the entire Gulf region on alert over the drones and missiles exchange that has not spared even so-called safe-havens like Dubai and Abu Dhabi of United Arab Emirates (UAE)....Read More

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• 7 Mar 2026, 04:18:31 AM IST

  This live blog has now ended

• 7 Mar 2026, 12:34:53 AM IST

  UAE news LIVE: Diplomat says UAE knew that region was headed to conflict

  UAE news LIVE: Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, Anwar Gargash has said that the UAE was aware about the oncoming conflict in the region months before the situation spiralled, Khaleej Times reported. He said that he personally delivered a message from US President Donald Trump to the Iranian foreign ministry in March last year amid efforts to start negotiations between the two sides and that the Emirates also offered to serve as a facilitator in the talks. “Once we saw that the negotiations had failed, we knew the drums of war had begun to beat,” he was quoted as saying.

• 6 Mar 2026, 10:29:20 PM IST

  UAE news LIVE: Dubai police issues guideline on what to do if warning alert received while driving

  Dubai Police urged residents to "continue driving calmly and carefully" if they receive the warning alert while driving.

  Motorists must not stop on the road or get distracted by filming. Instead, once you arrive, take shelter in the nearest safe place until the official all-clear is announced, the authority said.

• 6 Mar 2026, 10:06:59 PM IST

  UAE news LIVE: What is Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, where drone debris caused fire?

  Fujairah Oil Industry Zone in the United Arab Emirates flanks the Port of Fujairah and comprises the Middle East’s largest commercial storage capacity for refined oil products, according to its website.

  A fire was sparked by falling debris after air defences successfully intercepted a drone, state media reported.

  Emirates News Agency (WAM) wrote in a brief social media post that the flames are now under control.

• 6 Mar 2026, 09:39:51 PM IST

  UAE news LIVE: Dubai Humanitarian confirms ‘full operational readiness’ to support global effort

  Dubai Humanitarian confirmed its "full operational readiness" and the continuity of its operations to support global emergency humanitarian response efforts.

  “Dubai Humanitarian continues, in partnership with United Nations agencies, including the World Health Organisation, alongside a number of international partners, to provide forms of support and relief assistance to vulnerable communities in various parts of the world,” the Dubai Media Office said on X.

• 6 Mar 2026, 09:04:07 PM IST

  UAE news LIVE: Hotels, attraction working ‘as usual’ in Abu Dhabi

  Hotels, attractions, cultural sites, museums, and experiences are operating as usual, a DCT Abu Dhabi spokesperson said.

  DCT Abu Dhabi is working closely with the relevant government authorities to support visitors currently in the UAE, as well as our partners, employees, and residents at this time.

• 6 Mar 2026, 08:53:38 PM IST

  UAE news LIVE: US lifts sanctions on UAE-based logistics firm Globe Trekkers

  The United States has removed Russia-related sanctions on United Arab Emirates-based freight and logistics company Globe Trekkers, a notice on the U.S. Treasury's website showed on Friday.

• 6 Mar 2026, 08:40:41 PM IST

  Qatar news LIVE: Qatar appears to have loaded its first LNG cargo since production halt

  Qatar appears to have loaded its first liquefied natural gas cargo after the widening conflict in the Middle East forced it to halt fuel production and declare an unprecedented force majeure to buyers.

  The Lebrethah tanker departed from the LNG export complex on Friday, and its draft level increased, suggesting a cargo on board, according to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.

• 6 Mar 2026, 08:21:40 PM IST

  Qatar news LIVE: Qatar sends another phone alert, says security threat eliminated

  The Qatari government sent mobile phone alerts to residents stating that a security threat had been eliminated, according to a Reuters witness.

• 6 Mar 2026, 07:55:12 PM IST

  UAE news LIVE: Canada sends chartered flight to evacuate 180 people from Dubai

  Canada has chartered a flight to take 180 Canadians from Dubai to Istanbul, Foreign Minister Anita Anand told reporters on Friday, saying around 3,500 citizens had asked for help in leaving the Middle East.

• 6 Mar 2026, 07:53:26 PM IST

  Qatar news LIVE: Qatar residents get missile alert on phone

  Qatar residents have gotten a missile alert on their phones, Reuters reported.

• 6 Mar 2026, 07:32:08 PM IST

  UAE news LIVE: Air France extends flight suspension to Dubai and others

  Air France has extended the suspension of flights to and from Dubai, Riyadh, Tel Aviv and Beirut, Reuters reported.

• 6 Mar 2026, 07:26:05 PM IST

  UAE news LIVE: UAE ambassador donates blood in Kuwait

  UAE Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr Matar Hamed Al-Niyadi, along with members of the diplomatic mission, participated in a blood donation campaign at the Central Blood Bank, Khaleej Times reported.

  The initiative supports the strategic blood stockpile in Kuwait and highlights the importance of community solidarity and health preparedness, especially amid the ongoing regional situation.

• 6 Mar 2026, 07:07:08 PM IST

  UAE news LIVE: Fire at Fujairah Petroleum Industries Zone contained

  Authorities in Fujairah have successfully contained a fire in the Fujairah Petroleum Industries Zone (FIZ) that was sparked by shrapnel from a drone intercepted by air defences, Khaleej Times reported.

  Emergency response teams worked around the clock to control the blaze, which did not cause any injuries. Officials urged the public to rely on official sources for information and avoid spreading rumours or unverified reports.

• 6 Mar 2026, 06:47:57 PM IST

  UAE news LIVE: Wealthy Asians mulling moving Dubai assets to Singapore, Hong Kong

  Scores of wealthy Asians are making enquiries or taking steps to move their assets held in Dubai to the regional financial hubs of Singapore and Hong Kong, industry advisers and lawyers said, as the US-Israel war on Iran clouds the Gulf's safe-haven aura and rattles investors.

• 6 Mar 2026, 06:17:20 PM IST

  UAE news LIVE: UAE intercepts 9 ballistic missiles and 109 drones today

  The UAE has intercepted 9 ballistic missiles and 109 drones today, while 3 drones fell within the country’s territory, the Ministry of Defence confirmed.

  The Ministry reported that 112 drones were detected, with 109 successfully intercepted and 3 reaching UAE soil.

• 6 Mar 2026, 05:57:53 PM IST

  UAE news LIVE: Air Arabia resumes ‘limited’ operations to and from UAE

  Air Arabia has resumed limited flights to and from the UAE.

  According to the airline, customers whose flights were previously cancelled may also rebook if they have not yet used their modification or refund option.

• 6 Mar 2026, 05:56:01 PM IST

  UAE news LIVE: Emirates to operate 106 flights to 83 destinations from March 7

  Emirates Airlines is currently operating a "reduced flight schedule" following the partial reopening of regional airspace.

  The airline announced that it will operate 106 daily return flights to 83 destinations, representing almost 60 per cent of its route network.

• 6 Mar 2026, 05:53:29 PM IST

  UAE news LIVE: British Airways warns of scams, says currently unable to fly from Dubai, Abu Dhabi

  British Airways has issued a warning, urging customers to remain alert to potential scams and to rely only on official channels for updates, emphasising that personal or payment details should never be shared with unverified sources.

  The airline confirmed that it is currently unable to operate flights from Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, and Tel Aviv.

• 6 Mar 2026, 05:42:39 PM IST

  UAE news LIVE: Emirates expecting return to 100% network in days

  Emirates Airlines expects to return to 100% of its network within the coming days, a spokesperson told Reuters.

• 6 Mar 2026, 05:37:03 PM IST

  UAE news LIVE: IRGC says targeted US radar in UAE, Jordan

  Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have said that they targeted the US interceptor radars in the UAE and Jordan.

• 6 Mar 2026, 05:19:32 PM IST

  UAE news LIVE: Emirates says carried 30,000 out of Dubai in one day

  Emirates Airlines has said that it carried approximately 30,000 passengers out of Dubai in a single day on Thursday, Reuters reported.

• 6 Mar 2026, 04:50:11 PM IST

  UAE news LIVE: Sharjah extends truck movement restrictions

  The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, in cooperation with the Sharjah Police General Headquarters, has announced an extension of truck movement restrictions on Emirates Road, Al Dhaid Road, and Al Madam Road, effective from today until further notice.

  The move aims to regulate heavy transport traffic, improve road safety, and enhance traffic flow across the emirate’s main routes. Authorities said the measure will also support the logistics sector while facilitating mobility for all road users.

• 6 Mar 2026, 04:31:22 PM IST

  UAE news LIVE: Crown Prince visits Fujairah Oil Zone days after fire

  Crown Prince of Fujairah Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi visited teams on the ground at the Fujairah Oil Industries Zone (FOZ) on Friday to observe their efforts in managing the ongoing situation, days after fire at the site.

  During the visit, Sheikh Mohammed praised the security and safety teams for their dedication and heroic work, noting their role in containing the situation and ensuring the safety of both workers and the wider community.

• 6 Mar 2026, 04:17:04 PM IST

  UAE news LIVE: Dubai parks closed for the weekend

  Dubai Parks and Resorts announced that it will be closed on Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8, as a precautionary safety measure, following official guidance amid the ongoing regional situation, Khaleej Times reported.

• 6 Mar 2026, 04:05:03 PM IST

  Qatar news LIVE: Doha says its naval forces were inside Bahraini building attacked by Iran, all safe

  Qatar on Friday said its naval forces were inside buildings targeted by Iran in Bahrain overnight, though they were unharmed, after Manama reported attacks on residential buildings and a hotel.

  "The State of Qatar strongly condemns the Iranian attack targeting buildings in various parts of the Kingdom of Bahrain, housing members of the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces participating in the Unified Maritime Operations Centre of the Gulf Cooperation Council's Unified Military Command," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

  "The Qatari Emiri Naval Forces personnel present in the targeted buildings are safe and unharmed," it added.

• 6 Mar 2026, 04:01:29 PM IST

  Qatar news LIVE: Doha condemns Iranian attacks on Bahrain

  Qatar has strongly condemned the recent Iranian attack on buildings in the Kingdom of Bahrain that house elements of the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces participating in the Unified Maritime Operations Centre of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

  Qatar called the attack a "brazen hostile act, a flagrant violation of Bahrain’s sovereignty, and a direct threat to its security and stability and the security of the region".

  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised Qatar’s full solidarity with Bahrain in confronting this aggression, noting that such attacks undermine joint Gulf security efforts and principles of good neighbourliness.

  The Ministry confirmed that all Qatari naval personnel in the targeted buildings are safe, with no injuries reported, and that the Qatari Embassy in Bahrain has coordinated with local authorities to ensure their safety.

• 6 Mar 2026, 03:51:31 PM IST

  UAE news LIVE: Dubai supermarkets limit fruit and vegetable purchases

  Some supermarkets in Dubai have issued notices to customers regarding limits on fruit and vegetable purchases due to the ongoing situation in the region, Khaleej Times reported.

  "Kindly note that the quantity is limited to 2–3 kg per item per customer for fruits and vegetables," the notice read.

• 6 Mar 2026, 03:46:00 PM IST

  Qatar news LIVE: Qatar warns of impact on economy

  ⁠Qatar’s energy minister, Saad al-Kaabi⁠, has warned that even if the war ended immediately, it would take Qatar “weeks to months” to return to a normal cycle of deliveries.

  In an interview with the ⁠Financial Times, he said the war could “bring down the economies of the world”, predicting that all Gulf energy exporters would shut down production within weeks and drive oil to $150 a barrel.

• 6 Mar 2026, 03:28:59 PM IST

  UAE news LIVE: WHO resuming operations at Dubai hub

  WHO has issued a statement saying that its Dubai global emergency logistics hub is 'resuming operations', a day after being shut, AFP reported.

• 6 Mar 2026, 03:19:36 PM IST

  UAE Qatar news LIVE: Radisson Hotels fully operational, company says

  In a social media post, Radisson Hotels said its properties across the Middle East "remain open and fully operational".

  The hotel group noted that it is closely following official government guidance and will continue adjusting its operations when needed to ensure the well-being and peace of mind of both guests and employees, which it described as its top priority.

• 6 Mar 2026, 03:00:43 PM IST

  UAE news LIVE: Steep discount on gold in Dubai

  Gold is being offered at a steep discount in Dubai, as the war in the Middle East grounds flights and hampers suppliers’ ability to move bullion out of the key trading hub.

  Many buyers have stepped back from new orders, unwilling to pay exceptionally high shipping and insurance costs with no guarantee of prompt delivery. As a result, rather than paying indefinitely for storage and funding, traders are offering discounts of as much as $30 an ounce to the global benchmark in London, Bloomberg reported, quoting people with knowledge of the matter.

• 6 Mar 2026, 02:45:48 PM IST

  Qatar news LIVE: India asks its nationals in Qatar to avoid stepping out

  Qatar news LIVE: In view of the current security situation, India has requested all its nationals in Qatar to strictly follow the guidelines issued by the Qatari authorities, in particular, the Ministry of Interior.

  The Ministry has advised all residents of Qatar to stay in safe locations, avoid going out except in cases of extreme necessity, and keep away from windows and exposed areas.

  The advisory said that the Qatar airspace continues to remain closed and flight operations are temporarily suspended. Qatar Airways will provide the next update on March 7, 2026 at 0900 hrs (Doha time). All passengers are requested to remain in touch with respective airlines, it said.

• 6 Mar 2026, 02:17:55 PM IST

  UAE news LIVE: UAE govt says tourist destination seeing visitors

  UAE news LIVE: The Ministry of Economy and Tourism of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday said it can confirm the “continued reception of visitors at various tourist destinations” in the UAE, “with tourism, hospitality, cultural, and entertainment facilities committed to providing their services in accordance with approved regulatory frameworks and safety and quality standards.”

• 6 Mar 2026, 02:04:16 PM IST

  War news LIVE: London Police arrest 4 on suspicion of spying on Jews for Iran

  War news LIVE: London Police said it arrested four men on suspicion of aiding Iran by spying on Jewish community, reports Associated Press.

• 6 Mar 2026, 01:44:47 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: ‘Seek immediate shelter,’ says mobile alert to Dubai residents

  Dubai news LIVE: The mobile alert to Dubai residents on Friday read: "Due to the current situation, potential missile threats, seek immediate shelter in the closest secure building and steer away from windows, doors and open areas," the alert read.

• 6 Mar 2026, 01:42:12 PM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: Reports say sirens, explosions heard in Dubai; residents get mobile alert

  Dubai news LIVE: Residents of Dubai received an Emirati interior ministry alert on their phones on Friday urging them to shelter from potential missile threats, AFP correspondents reported, as Iran pressed on with its Gulf retaliation campaign.

  "Due to the current situation, potential missile threats, seek immediate shelter in the closest secure building and steer away from windows, doors and open areas," the alert read.

  Unconfirmed reports of explosions being heard also surfaced. Some X users wrote that blasts were heard.

  Authorities did not immediately comment on the claims of explosions being heard.

• 6 Mar 2026, 01:36:24 PM IST

  JUST IN | Dubai residents get 'potential missile threats' alert on phones

  Dubai news LIVE: Dubai residents get 'potential missile threats' alert on phones, reports AFP news agency

• 6 Mar 2026, 01:16:36 PM IST

  UAE, Qatar war news LIVE: Dubai Police urges people to rely on official sources for updates

  UAE, Qatar war news LIVE: Dubai Police on Friday urged people to rely on official sources for updates on the situation amid the fighting in the Middle East.

  “Information is a responsibility…And spreading unreliable news may cause anxiety, and contribute to undermining the security and stability of society,” Dubai Police said on X.

  “To preserve your safety and security, we urge you to rely on official sources and to handle with responsibility what is circulated across digital platforms,” Dubai Police said.

• 6 Mar 2026, 12:49:22 PM IST

  UAE, Qatar war news LIVE: Full list of flights Etihad will operate from today

  UAE, Qatar war news LIVE: Abu-Dhabi headquartered Etihad Airways said it will resume a limited commercial flight schedule from March 6, operating between Abu Dhabi and a number of key destinations.

  Guests with previous bookings will be accommodated on these flights as soon as possible. Tickets are also available for sale, Etihad said.

  All other scheduled commercial services to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended, the airline said, adding that additional destinations will be added and communicated as conditions permit.

• 6 Mar 2026, 12:09:18 PM IST

  UAE, Qatar war news LIVE: It was unarmed, unloaded, says Iran govt on Iris Dena ship struck by US

  UAE, Qatar war news LIVE: Iran's deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh, who is visiting India, said on Friday that the Iranian ship, Iris Dena, hit by a US submarine strike off Sri Lanka coast, was in a non-combat configuration, returning from the Milan naval exercises and the US action against it was a serious violation of international law.

  "This is a very sad, very unfortunate incident. That vessel was by invitation of our Indian friends, attending an international exercise. It was ceremonial. It was unloaded. It was unarmed," he said, according to PTI news agency

  "It is very unfortunate. Many of the young Iranian sailors who were attending these exercises lost their lives. It cannot go with impunity for those who actually did that," he told reporters on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue.

• 6 Mar 2026, 11:33:55 AM IST

  UAE, Qatar war news LIVE: Saudi destroys drones east of Riyadh

  UAE, Qatar war news LIVE: Saudi Arabia said on Friday it destroyed three drones east of Riyadh on Friday.

  "Three drones were intercepted and destroyed east of the Riyadh region," the Saudi defence ministry posted on X, quoting a spokesperson.

• 6 Mar 2026, 10:50:51 AM IST

  UAE war news LIVE: 30 Iranian ships sunk by US, says top military officer

  UAE war news LIVE: A top US military officer said on Thursday The United States has sunk more than 30 Iranian ships during the ongoing war, while ballistic missile and drone attacks by Tehran's forces are down substantially, Reuters reportted.

  "We're now up over 30 ships (sunk), and in just the last few hours, we hit an Iranian drone carrier ship, roughly the size of a World War II aircraft carrier. And as we speak, it's on fire," Reuters quoted Admiral Brad Cooper as saying at a news conference.

• 6 Mar 2026, 10:18:30 AM IST

  Dubai, Abu Dhabi war news LIVE: Tehran under 'heavy attack; Qatar intercepts drone attack targeting US military base

  Dubai, Abu Dhabi war news LIVE: Heavy attacks were reported in Iranian capital Tehran on Friday after Israel said it was hitting "regime infrastructure" in a "new phase" of the war it launched with the United States against Iran.

  As the conflict entered its seventh day, its regional repercussions continued -- with Qatar saying it intercepted a drone targeting a US base, and Lebanon reporting the death toll from Israeli strikes had risen to 123.

  US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said he would "have to be involved" in the appointment of Iran's next leader after US-Israeli strikes killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei when the conflict began on Saturday.

  (via AFP)

• 6 Mar 2026, 10:02:01 AM IST

  Dubai, Abu Dhabi war news LIVE: 6 injured from debris after drone intercepted in Abu Dhabi

  Dubai, Abu Dhabi war news LIVE: Six people were injured in United Arab Emirates' (UAE) Abu Dhabi on Thursday by debris from an intercepted drone, its media office said, as the missile exchange involving US-Israel and Iran ripping through the Middle East region entered its sixth day.

  The incident involving falling debris took place at two locations in the ICAD 2 area following the successful interception of a drone by air defences, the Abu Dhabi media office said. Read full report

• 6 Mar 2026, 09:34:08 AM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: Travelers urged to not reach airport unless asked by airline

  Dubai news LIVE: Dubai Airport on Thursday reiterated that most flights remain suspended and urged travelers to not come to the airport unless contacted by airline.

  “Please do not come to the airport unless your airline has confirmed your departure time. Guests without a confirmed flight may not be able to access the terminals,” Dubai Airport said in a post on X, asking passengers to contact their airline directly for the latest updates on your flight.

• 6 Mar 2026, 09:25:03 AM IST

  Dubai news LIVE: Over 19,000 flights cancelled since US-Israel strikes on Feb 28

  Dubai news LIVE: Over 19,000 flights have been cancelled across seven major Middle East airports, including UAE's Dubai and Abu Dhabi. According to Flightradar24 data, March 1, 2 and 3 saw the most flight cancellations with the number standing at over 3,300 for each day.

  The data includes flight cancellations of Dubai International Airport Dubai (UAE), Hamad International Airport (Doha, Qatar), Zayed International Airport (Abu Dhabi, UAE), Sharjah International Airport (Sharjah, UAE), Kuwait International Airport (Kuwait City, Kuwait), Bahrain International Airport (Manama, area Bahrain), and Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai, UAE)

  Flight cancellations since Feb 28:

  Feb 28: 1,400+ flights

  Mar 1: 3,400+ flights

  Mar 2: 3,400+ flights

  Mar 3: 3,300+ flights

  Mar 4: 3,200+ flights

  Mar 5: 3,000+ flights

  Mar 6: 1,300+ flights

  7 day total: 19,000+ flights

• 6 Mar 2026, 09:00:58 AM IST

  Dubai news LIVE updates: Latest updates on Iran strikes in UAE

  Dubai news LIVE updates: Here's a quick summary of what has happened in UAE in the last 24 hours and what is happening today:

  Air defences activated: The UAE intercepted six ballistic missiles and 125 drones on March 5 as Iran’s retaliatory attacks on Gulf states entered Day 6 of the conflict with the US and Israel.

  Injuries reported in the UAE: Authorities said 94 UAE residents have been injured since the attacks began. Six people were hurt in Abu Dhabi on March 5 after drone debris fell in the city.

  Flights gradually resuming: Emirates and Flydubai announced the resumption of flights with a reduced schedule, while Flynas said it would operate flights between Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

  Shipping crisis deepens: Multiple vessels with Indian crew have come under attack in Gulf waters. A Bahamas-flagged tanker with 10 Indian seafarers was targeted by an Iranian remote-controlled explosive boat near Iraq’s Khor al Zubair port, while another tanker off Kuwait suffered a major explosion.

  Major shipping disruption: Around 200 ships remain anchored near Gulf ports and hundreds more are waiting outside the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about 20% of global oil and LNG supply.

  Additional ships damaged near UAE: The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Libra Trader and Panama-flagged bulker Gold Oak sustained minor damage 7–10 nautical miles off Fujairah, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations.

  Education disruption: The CBSE cancelled all remaining Class 10 board exams in the region and postponed Class 12 exams due to the escalating conflict.

  Explosions across the region: Huge explosions were reported over Tehran and Doha, while Qatar evacuated residents living near the US embassy in Doha as tensions intensified.

• 6 Mar 2026, 08:55:06 AM IST

  Tanker with 10 Indians targeted near Iraq port

  A Bahamas-flagged crude oil tanker carrying 10 Indian crew members was targeted by an Iranian remote-controlled explosive boat while anchored near Iraq’s Khor al Zubair port, according to initial assessments. Authorities have not reported any casualties so far. The vessel, Sonangol Namibe, suffered hull damage but is reportedly losing water only from a ballast tank used to stabilise the ship.

• 6 Mar 2026, 08:45:30 AM IST

  Dubai news LIVE updates: Jet fuel prices soar, shares fall

  Dubai news LIVE updates: Higher oil prices have sent jet fuel costs soaring, with Singapore jet fuel reaching a record high of $225 a barrel this week, which traders attributed to concerns about supply shortages from Middle Eastern refiners.

  The price eased slightly on Thursday to about $195 a barrel after some profit-taking but remained nearly double that of last week.