Crude futures settle higher

NEW YORK, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- Oil prices advanced on Thursday.

The West Texas Intermediate for September delivery increased by 1.18 U.S. dollars, or 1.53 percent, to settle at 78.16 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude for October delivery went up 1.28 dollars, or 1.6 percent, to settle at 81.04 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.