World oil prices jumped higher this evening, extending the previous day's gains as positive Chinese manufacturing data spurred hopes of strengthening global energy demand.
Brent North Sea crude rose 61 cents to $82.92 a barrel, having earlier touched $83.64 - its highest level since May 5. US crude climbed 70 cents to $80.67.
The energy market appeared to set aside weaker than expected US manufacturing data to focus on upbeat news from China.
Oil also drew strength from the weaker US dollar, which makes dollar-priced commodities cheaper for buyers using stronger currencies and so tends to stimulate demand and prices.
This week, oil prices have also soared on the back of a sharp drop in US crude stockpiles, which signalled rising demand, and a modest upgrade to economic growth in the key energy-consuming nation.
