Crude oil prices gained Rs 7 to Rs 3,763 per barrel in futures trade today as speculators indulged in creating fresh positions on the back of a firming global trend.
Sentiment turned buoyant after oil prices edged up in Asian trade, staying above $81 a barrel as buoyant market sentiment boosted the confidence of traders.
At the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange, crude oil for August month rose by Rs 7, or 0.19 per cent, to Rs 3,763 per barrel with an open interest of 138,400 lots.
However, oil for September month held steady at Rs 3,756 per barrel.
Market analysts said fresh buying by speculators in tandem with a firming global trend mainly led to rise in crude oil prices at the futures trade.
Meanwhile, New York's main contract, crude for delivery in September, gained 16 cents to $81.50 a barrel.