Brent crude heads toward US$70 as China energy demand outlook brightens

SINGAPORE: Oil prices rose on Monday, with Brent heading toward $70 a barrel, as data showed China's economic recovery accelerated at the start of 2021, boosting the energy demand outlook at the world's largest oil importer.

Brent crude futures for May gained 57 cents, or 0.8%, to $69.79 a barrel by 0748 GMT while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude for April was at $66.17 a barrel, up 56 cents, or 0.9%.