Oil prices up on lower US supplies

SINGAPORE: Oil prices rose in Asia on Thursday after a dip in US stockpiles raised optimism about energy demand in the world´s top crude consumer during the winter season, analysts said.

US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for January delivery rose 56 cents to $67.94, while Brent crude for January gained 35 cents to $70.27 in afternoon trade.

The US Department of Energy said in its latest inventory report that crude stockpiles dropped 3.7 million barrels in the week ended November 28.

Analysts surveyed by the Wall Street Journal had predicted a rise of 600,000 barrels.

Daniel Ang, an investment analyst at Phillip Futures in Singapore, said the drop was supporting crude prices "slightly".

"Price consolidations seems to have ended," he said, referring to volatility this week following a sharp sell-off.

Oil prices plunged after the OPEC cartel announced last Thursday it would maintain its output levels despite global oversupply. Prices fell to five-year lows Monday, with WTI hitting $63.72 and Brent at $67.53, before rebounding.

The commodity has fallen around 30 percent since late June, weighed by concerns of an oversupply and weak demand.

The US inventories report also showed refineries in the country ramping up processing, as the plant utilisation rate rose to 93.4 percent of capacity from 91.5 percent the week before.

"This is likely due to anticipation for winter demand," Ang said.

Analysts said the crude market is next awaiting the outcome of a key European Central Bank meeting later Thursday.

The euro has suffered selling pressure ahead of the meeting, which is being watched to see if policymakers introduce monetary easing measures to kickstart the region´s sluggish economy.

Easing measures by central banks are closely watched by oil traders because of their impact on the US dollar. A stronger greenback makes dollar-priced crude more expensive for buyers using weaker currencies, hurting demand.

"The ECB is not expected to announce any new measure at the last meeting this year... but there is a slim chance for a surprise," Singapore´s United Overseas Bank said in a commentary.