Oil prices up on France IS strikes, stockpiles data

Oil prices rose in Asian trade today as Europe struck back against the Islamic State (IS) group after the Paris attacks and after a mild rise in US stockpiles, analysts said. The Federal Reserve's broadly upbeat summary of the US economy also lifted confidence, with most markets in Asia advancing following a rally on Wall Street. "Strikes against the Islamic State could worsen the geopolitical tensions in the oil-producing Middle East region and this supports crude prices," said Sanjeev Gupta, who heads the Asia-Pacific oil and gas practice at professional services organisation EY.

At around 0330 GMT, US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for December delivery was up 25 cents at USD 41.00, while Brent crude for January was 39 cents higher at USD 44.53. European countries have elevated their security alert levels as French and Russian air strikes pound an IS stronghold in Syria and French security forces mount operations against remnants of a group that carried out last week's deadly attacks. In Singapore, EY analyst Gupta said a global supply glut and fears of a slowing European economic recovery were persisting, putting downward pressure on prices.

US Department of Energy oil data yesterday showed a modest rise in commercial crude stockpiles in the world's top oil consumer. Crude inventories rose 300,000 barrels to 487.3 million in the week ended November 13, well below expectations that it would rise by up to two million barrels. Gupta said the market will keep a close eye on developments between IS and major powers, as well as expectations of a US interest hike in December.