Brent Crude trading at $78.09/bbl

Crude oil prices on Thursday increased Rs 98 to Rs 6,029 per barrel in futures trade as participants widened their positions following a firm spot demand. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, crude oil for January delivery traded higher by Rs 98, or 1.65 per cent, at Rs 6,029 per barrel in 12,541 lots.

Analysts said raising of bets by participants kept crude oil prices higher in futures trade. Globally, West Texas Intermediate crude oil was up by 1.65 per cent to $72.63 per barrel, and Brent crude traded 1.68 per cent higher at $78.09 per barrel in New York.