Crude oil prices rose to a two-and-a-half year high amid concerns that the unrest in Libya could turn into a full-blown civil war. US crude rose by 1.81 dollar to 106.23 dollar per barrel, the highest price since September 2008. Brent crude gained 1.17 dollar to 117.14 dollar per barrel. There are concerns that the continuing unrest in Libya could send oil prices even higher, derailing the global economic recovery.