Crude futures settle higher

Oil prices advanced on Thursday.

The West Texas Intermediate for April delivery increased by 6.35 U.S. dollars, or 8.51 percent, to settle at 81.01 U.S. dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Brent crude futures for May delivery gained 4.01 dollars, or 4.93 percent, to settle at 85.41 U.S. dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.