Crude futures settle higher

NEW YORK, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Oil prices advanced on Thursday.

The West Texas Intermediate for October delivery increased 1.66 U.S. dollars, or 2.47 percent, to settle at 68.97 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude for November delivery went up 1.36 dollars, or 1.93 percent, to settle at 71.97 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.