Most Asian markets extended gains Tuesday following another record on Wall Street though investors remain torn between vaccine-fuelled optimism over the economic outlook and fears over a surge in inflation the recovery is expected to bring with it.

World oil prices eased on Monday as traffic resumed on the Suez Canal after a massive container ship blocking the waterway was freed.

The MV Ever Given was refloated and the Suez Canal reopened Monday, sparking relief almost a week after the huge container ship got stuck during a sandstorm and blocked a major artery for global trade.

Asian markets were mixed Monday as traders struggled to maintain a morning rally following a record-breaking lead from Wall Street, while oil prices dropped on news of progress in shifting a cargo ship blocking the Suez Canal.

Denmark on Sunday joined Norway and other European national teams in a growing movement protesting against the treatment of migrant workers involved in building venues for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Russia's ambassador to Egypt on Sunday offered the country "any possible assistance," as efforts continue to free a megaship that has been blocking the Suez Canal for nearly a week. 

Egypt's Suez Canal chief has said that "technical or human errors" could be behind the grounding of a huge container ship blocking the vital waterway, causing a backlog of over 300 vessels.

Syria has begun rationing the distribution of fuel in the war-torn country amid concerns that shipments could be delayed because Egypt's Suez Canal is being blocked by a giant cargo ship that has run aground, the Oil Ministry said.

The container ship remained stuck sideways in the Suez Canal over the weekend, as authorities prepared to make new attempts to free the vessel and reopen a crucial east-west waterway for global shipping.

The United States confirmed on Friday that it has assisted Sudan with more than $1 billion to help clear arrears at the World Bank as it hailed reforms by the civilian-backed government.

An attempt Friday to refloat a giant container ship blocking Egypt's Suez Canal has failed, the vessel's managers said.