Crude oil prices on Thursday climbed Rs72 to Rs6,659 per barrel in futures trade as participants widened their positions following a firm spot demand.On the Multi Commodity Exchange, crude oil for May delivery traded higher Rs72 or 1.09 per cent at Rs6,659 per barrel in 9,088 lots.

Analysts said raising of bets by participants kept crude oil prices higher in futures trade. Globally, West Texas Intermediate crude oil was up 0.84 per cent to $79.65 per barrel, and Brent crude traded 0.75 per cent higher at $84.21 per barrel in New York.