Oil prices rose as much as 2 per cent on Monday, hitting a five-month high as markets expected tighter global supply, helped by the Libyan war, OPEC-led production cuts and U.S. sanctions against Iran and Venezuela.
Brent crude oil futures rose $0.76, or 1.1%, to close at $71.10 a barrel. U.S. crude oil futures rose $1.32, or 2.1%, to close at $64.40 a barrel.
The daily heights of Brent crude oil and American crude oil were $71.19 and $64.44 respectively, the highest since November last year.
"The bull market continued, hitting a five-month high today, further encouraging speculative groups. Speculators have recently regained U.S. oil bull positions with a strong stance, "Jim Ritterbusch, president of Ritterbusch and Associates, said in a report.
Traders said Genscape data showed that crude stocks in Cushing, Oklahoma, where U.S. crude oil was delivered, fell by about 419,000 barrels last week, followed by an increase in oil prices.
Investors are focusing on supply today, as a war in oil-rich Libya could disrupt exports. In defiance of global calls for a cease-fire, the eastern army marched towards the capital.
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