Mubasher: The number of oil rigs in the US rose last week, registering an increase for the 13th week in a row.

US rigs were up by 11 last week, reaching 683 rigs in the week ended Thursday, 13 April, data released by Baker Hughes Oilfield Services showed late that same day.

Oil prices rose at the closing of Thursday's trades, with Brent crude edging up slightly by 0.05% to $55.89 per barrel.