Oil prices rise as China factory bounce boosts demand outlook

Oil prices extended gains for a second session on Wednesday after a strong jump in manufacturing in China, the world’s top crude importer, boosted the outlook for global fuel demand. Brent crude futures for May rose 46 cents, 0.6 per cent, to $83.91 a barrel at 0445 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for April gained 42 cents, or 0.6pc, to $77.47 a barrel. Oil prices continue to be supported by expectations for a strong rebound in demand in China, the world’s second-largest crude consumer. “Another round of upside surprise in China’s PMI further provides conviction of a stronger-than-expected recovery, which supports a more optimistic oil demand outlook,” said Yeap Jun Rong, market strategist at IG. “That provided a much-needed catalyst for oil prices to tap on for some relief following (Monday’s) previous sell-off, with China’s recovery showing to be on track to cushion some of the global demand weakness from hawkish central banks,” Yeap added. Data showed China’s factory activity rose for the first time in seven months in February, according to the purchasing manager’s index (PMI) published by Caixin/S&P Global on Wednesday.