London, July 31 (SANA)Oil pricesfell by more than $1 a barrel on Friday as increased supply flows through key maritime routes eased concerns over potential disruptions, despite continued geopolitical tensions in the region.

Brent crude futures fell $1.03, or 1.2%, to $88 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude dropped $1.50, or 1.8%, to $82.09 a barrel, according to Reuters.

Despite the daily decline, both oil benchmarks were on track to post monthly gains of around 20%.

Daniel Hynes, an analyst at ANZ Bank, said increased flows through theStrait of Hormuzhad helped reduce concerns over the impact of Middle East tensions on global oil supplies, putting downward pressure on prices.

The decline came as regional efforts continued to strengthen security around key maritime routes amid persistent concerns over shipping safety and energy supplies.

Earlier on Friday, shipping analytics firm Kpler reported that 25 vessels carrying commodities passed through theBab al-MandebStrait on Thursday, while traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained limited, with only two empty tankers crossing the strategic waterway.

The developments come amid heightened security concerns in the region, where disruptions to major shipping routes have raised fears over global energy markets and trade flows.kA.ABD