The West Texas Intermediate gained 0.72% to $98.57 per barrel as of 2:37 a.m. ET. Brent crude rose by 0.67% to $96.56 per barrel.

Benchmark U.S. crude was 3.1% higher on Thursday at $97.30 a barrel.

The West Texas Intermediate gained 0.72% to $98.57 per barrel as of 2:37 a.m. ET. Brent crude rose by 0.67% to $96.56 per barrel.