Mideast Stocks – Factors to watch on April 25

Mideast Stocks – Factors to watch on April 25

* Oil edges higher as recovery support countered by Asia virus surge * PRECIOUS-Palladium extends record run, gold dips on strong U.S. data * MIDEAST STOCKS-Q1 earnings boost most Gulf markets; Egypt retreats * OPEC urges members to lobby against U.S. NOPEC bill and outline risks * At least 27 dead in fire at Baghdad hospital for COVID patients- medical sources * Iran's Al-Alam TV says tanker hit near Syrian city of Baniyas was Iranian * Iran to bar travellers from India over COVID-19 variant, officials say * Scuffles in Jerusalem after Israeli-Palestinian Ramadan night clashes * Sudan says Ethiopia rejected invitation for dam summit * Maroc Telecom first-quarter profit falls 7.7% EGYPT* Egypt's GASC says seeking vegoils for arrival June 26-July 10 * Insurer for Suez grounded ship appeals detention by Egypt * Egypt allocates 1.074 mln feddans of land for rice in 2021 season * Egypt and Russia agree to resume all flights, including to resorts - statement * Egypt raises domestic fuel prices for first time since subsidy reform SAUDI ARABIA* Saudi Arabia sees over $200 bln in savings from energy reforms plan - FinMin * Saudi-led coalition destroys Houthi explosives-laden drone - state TV * Yemen's Houthis claim attack on Saudi oil facility, air base * Saudi Arabia to join new forum on climate