Crude oil prices on Thursday increased Rs38 to Rs6,896 per barrel in futures trade as participants widened their positions following a firm spot demand. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, crude oil for July delivery traded higher Rs38 or 0.03 per cent at Rs6,896 per barrel in 5,007 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 0.67 per cent to $82.65 per barrel, and Brent crude traded 0.67 per cent higher at $85.65 per barrel in New York.