Crude oil futures up on spot demand, global cues

New Delhi, Feb 20 () Crude oil prices on Thursday edged up by Rs 19 to Rs 3,869 per barrel as speculators increased their holdings driven by firm trend overseas.

Analysts said raising of bets by participants kept crude prices higher in futures trade here.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange, crude oil for delivery in February traded higher by Rs 19, or 0.49 per cent, to Rs 3,869 per barrel in 29,495 lots.

Crude oil for March delivery was up by Rs 17, or 0.44 per cent, to Rs 3,893 per barrel with an open interest of 449 lots.

Globally, West Texas Intermediate was trading higher by 0.73 per cent at USD 53.68 per barrel.

However Brent crude, the international benchmark, edged lower by 0.37 per cent to USD 59.34 per barrel in New York. VHP SHWSHW