London oil prices have hit their highest levels since the war in Iraq ended after the West's energy watchdog, the International Energy Agency, warned of supply problems on world markets heading into the northern winter.
Benchmark London Brent crude for November rose to $30.75 a barrel, a peak since the war ended in April. Prices have risen 17% in two weeks since a surprise decision by OPEC to cut production this winter.
US light crude gained 84 cents, 3%, to $31.85 a barrel, on top of Thursday's 4% gains, triggered by concerns over a possible supply crunch of heating oil.
The IEA, adviser on energy to 26 industrialised nations, has forecast that global oil demand growth will accelerate into the fourth quarter, exceeding 80 million barrels per day for the first time.
