Oil prices rose on Thursday, extending gains started the previous day, driven by optimism about U.S. fuel demand following an unexpected drop in crude and gasoline inventories.
Prices were also supported by reports that the OPEC+ alliance may delay a planned increase in production levels. Brent crude futures rose 35 cents, or 0.5%, to $72.90 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 32 cents, or 0.5%, to $68.93 a barrel.
Benchmark crude futures rose more than 2% on Wednesday, after falling more than 6% earlier in the week on the back of a reduced risk of a wider war in the Middle East.
