Oil prices remained above $90 a barrel this lunchtime, close to their highest levels in two years, as cold weather boosted demand and US stockpiles shrank.
Unusually cold weather in the United States and Europe has helped to spur the latest leg of a more than 30% oil rally from a year-low struck in May.
US crude was flat at $90.44 a barrel, while Brent crude was seven cents lower at $93.58.
Wednesday's strong increase followed US inventory data showing a big drop in crude stockpiles, an indicator of strong demand.
Stockpiles in the world's top oil user have fallen by 19 million barrels since November 26, roughly equivalent to one day of US fuel consumption and the biggest three-week drop since 1998. Demand has been stoked by sub-normal temperatures, which are expected to continue.
