World oil prices rallied this evening, helped by better than expected jobs figures in the US, the world's top energy consumer.
US crude rose 89 cents to $57.60 a barrel, after earlier hitting $58.45. Brent North Sea crude climbed 81 cents to $57.28, having earlier struck $58.11.
This week, oil has also won support from rising stock markets amid increasing signs of economic recovery in the recession-hit US.
On Thursday, oil prices had also soared to near six-month high points above $58 before falling back in late trade as investors banked profits. Despite the gains, prices remain far below last July's record peaks above $147.
