RIYADH: Saudi stock market started the week lower on Sunday after investors were concerned about the rise in oil prices triggered by European countries deciding to ban Russian oil imports in response to its invasion of Ukraine. The main index, TASI, opened the week 0.21 percent lower to reach 12,921, while the parallel market, Nomu, rose 0.39 percent to reach 24,160, as of 10:10 a.m. Saudi time. In energy markets, oil prices surged last week, Brent crude closed Friday at $121 per barrel, while WTI crude oil neared $114. Astra Industrial Group gained 3.15 percent to lead the gainers, while Zamil Industrial Investment Co. shed 4.90 percent to lead the fallers. The shares of Saudi oil giant Aramco opened the day down 1.16 percent. Dur Hospitality Co. fell 0.17 percent, despite narrowing its losses by 69 percent to SR15 million ($4 million) in 2021. In the financial sector, Alinma Bank dropped 0.39 percent, while Saudi Arabia’s largest valued bank Al Rajhi slipped 0.13 percent. Dar Alarkan Real Estate Development Co. climbed 0.50 percent, as the company announced a SR6-billion partnership with Omani Tourism Development Co.