Brent crude futures for May gained 57 cents, or 0.8%, to $69.79 a barrel by 0748 GMT while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude for April was at $66.17 a barrel, up 56 cents, or 0.9%.
China’s industrial output growth quickened in January-February, beating expectations, while its daily refinery throughput data rose 15% from the same period a year ago, data showed.
China’s heavy industry has shown robust growth as its output of cement, steel, coal and aluminium registered double-digit growth compared with 2019’s pre-COVID pandemic levels, said Seng Yick Tee, analyst at China consultancy SIA Energy, adding that the growth rates were “insane” given China’s large bases.
Further supporting prices, top oil exporter Saudi Arabia has cut the supply of April-loading crude to at least four north Asian buyers by up to 15%, while meeting the normal monthly requirements of Indian refiners, refinery sources told Reuters on Friday.
Reference: Reuters
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