Oil gained over 30 cents to top $79 today, reversing earlier losses in choppy trading that reflected dollar moves.
Weekly inventory data from industry group the American Petroleum Institute, due to be published this evening, followed by US government statistics tomorrow, could provide some impetus.
US crude for April delivery rose 39 cents to $79.09 a barrel by noon, while London Brent added 54 cents to $77.43.
The euro edged up from a nine-and-a-half month low against the dollar hit earlier today, but remained under selling pressure due to concerns about Greece's debt problems.
