Oil prices rise after strong Chinese manufacturing data

SINGAPORE: Oil prices rose in Asian trade Monday as data showing strong Chinese manufacturing activity fuelled hopes of a pick-up in demand in the world´s top energy consumer.

US benchmark, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for delivery in July gained 44 cents to $103.15 a barrel while Brent North Sea crude for July was up 25 cents to stand at $109.66 a barrel in mid-morning trade.