In the early morning of the 18th Beijing time, US WTI crude oil futures prices closed higher on Friday. World's largestabugarciac36500Economic indicators improved in two crude oil consuming countries, boosting hopes of increased demand.

West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) futures for June delivery rose 83 cents, or 1.5 percent, on the New York Mercantile Exchangeabugarciac36500.05%, closing at US$80.06 per barrel.

Tamas Varga, an analyst at oil broker PVM, said that despite recent Chinese and U.S. economic data and news such as another attack on Russia's oil infrastructure, oil prices have not yet convincingly recovered from their recent slump.