LONDON—Oil prices rose 1 percent on Thursday on expectations that demand will strengthen as top oil importer China reopens its economy and on news U.S. crude inventories have risen less than expected.
Brent crude futures rose 78 cents, or 0.9 percent, to $86.90 a barrel by 1046 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were up 75 cents, or 0.9 percent, at $80.90.
“China’s reopening is supporting demand prospects,” said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo.
“Also, market participants are closely tracking the upcoming OPEC+ JMMC meeting and the EU embargo on refined products.”
China has been easing stringent COVID-19 restrictions this month, with Beijing reopening its borders for the first time in three years….