New Delhi, June 16 -- Crude oil prices in focus today: Crude oil prices remained elevated for the second straight day on Monday, with Brent crude futures climbing toward $75 per barrel and WTI crude futures crossing the $74 mark, as tensions in the Middle East showed no signs of cooling off.

Over the weekend, Iran and Israel continued to exchange attacks, raising fears that the conflict could impact crude oil supplies from the region. Iran, which holds about 9% of the world's oil reserves, signaled that it may shut down the Strait of Hormuz-a key global oil transit route.

The rise in crude oil prices has brought negative sentiment to the Indian stock market, as the commodity is a crucial raw material for many sectors. If prices remain e...