Oil tankers and gas tankers were affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a global energy crisis stemming from the war in the Middle East. Photos For You | Moment | Getty Images Oil prices advanced again on Wednesday as traders balanced the United Arab Emirates' shock departure from OPEC with indications that a near-term conclusion to the Iran war is unlikely. International benchmark Brent crude futures with June delivery traded 3.5% higher at $115.13 per barrel during mid-morning deals in Europe, extending gains after notching its seventh consecutive positive session on Tuesday. U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures with June delivery rose 3.7% to $103.69 per barrel. The WTI contract, which settled up 3.7% in the previous session, has racked up gains of more than 49% since the U.S. and Israeli-led war against Iran started on Feb. 28. The latest move higher comes amid reports that the U.S.…