LONDON - World oil prices rose on Friday on signs of rising energy demand in the United States, the world's biggest consumer, dealers said.
Brent North Sea crude for delivery in February climbed 37 cents to 73.74 dollars a barrel in early London trading.
New York's main futures contract, light sweet crude for delivery in January, jumped 60 cents to 73.25 dollars a barrel.
Crude futures had fallen sharply on Thursday as investors took profits following the previous day's strong gains on indications of stronger energy demand in the United States.
Analysts said stronger US energy demand, boosted by the need for heating fuel during the northern hemisphere winter, is likely to continue supporting oil prices.
