New York-Sana
Oil prices rose by about two percent to continue their rise in the new year.
Reuters reported that Brent crude futures rose $1.19, or 1.5 percent, to settle at $81.99 a barrel, after hitting their highest levels since late November.
US West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose $1.61, or 2.1 percent, upon settlement to $79.46, and the contract touched its highest level in the session at $80.24.