Oil prices were little changed today, staying close to their highest levels in seven weeks as the market weighed concerns over escalating conflicts against demand worries following an unexpected rise in U.S. crude inventories.

Brent crude was up by 0.16 percent, to 85 dollars and 47 cent per barrel. The U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude marginally lower 0.02 percent, to 81 dollars and 55 cent per barrel, when reports last came in.