Crude oil registered small gains on positive US economic data

International benchmarks for crude oil inched higher on Friday, 16 July 2021 after data showed an unexpected jump in US retail sales in the month of June 2021, bolster expectations on accelerating economic growth. However, both benchmarks fell about 3% compared to the previous week due to the OPEC+ impasse and Delta variant. 

Brent rose 12 cents, or 0.2% to $73.59/barrel.

WTI gained 16 cents, or 0.2% to $71.81/barrel.