Oil prices rose to a fresh 2-1/2 year high early Monday, climbing above $106 a barrel, as the violence in Libya continues to unsettle the market.

The benchmark U.S. contract, West Texas Intermediate, for April delivery was up $2.26, or 2.1%, to $106.68 a barrel. Oil prices are currently trading at the highest levels since September 2008.

Brent crude, the main European contract, rose $2.20 to $118.17 a barrel.

Oil prices rose nearly 7% last week as fighting between rebels and forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi escalated. The weeks-long conflict showed no sign of abating Monday, with death toll estimates now ranging from more than 1,000 to as many as 2,000.

The International Energy Agency estimated Friday that roughly 1 million barrels per day of Libyan oil have been taken off the world market so far, even as some crude shipments have resumed. Libya exported 1.6 million barrels per day in 2010.

Saudi Arabia and other members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries have pledged to increase production to make up for any lost oil due to unrest in Libya.

(Source: CNN)