Oil prices rose further this evening but gains were capped by weaker than expected growth data in the US, the world's biggest energy consuming nation.
Brent North Sea crude for June delivery climbed 13 cents to $87.03 a barrel in London, while New York's main contract, light sweet crude for June, gained 45 cents to $85.62.
The US economy grew 3.2% in the first three months of this year as consumer spending ticked up, the Commerce Department said.
Growth was fuelled by an increase in spending and exports, but offset by increased imports and reduced state and local government spending. The first estimate for gross domestic product was just below market expectations for growth of 3.3%.
Crude futures had soared higher yesterday, in line with rising equity markets, strong jobs data, a weaker dollar and easing concerns about Greece.
Prices were also supported today by rising equity markets in Asia and Europe after a rally on Wall Street amid encouraging US company results.
Falling claims for US unemployment benefits had lifted world oil prices yesterday. The US Labor Department said initial jobless claims fell for the second straight week, by 11,000, in the week ending April 24.
