Oil was higher in Asian trade today on the back of upbeat industrial data from the US and China, the world's major energy consumers, analysts said.
Comments from Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Nuaimi that current oil prices at above $80 a barrel were within a "very comfortable zone" were also supportive of market sentiment, they said.
New York's main contract, light sweet crude for December delivery gained 23 cents to $83.18 a barrel.
Brent North Sea crude for December delivery was up nine cents at $84.71.
"Comments by the Saudi oil minister and better-than- expected manufacturing data from China and the US boosted oil prices," said Ong Yi Ling, an investment analyst with Phillip Futures in Singapore.
In the United States, the world's biggest oil consumer, a key industrial survey showed manufacturing unexpectedly picked up steam in October, raising hopes for a strong final quarter that could underpin the flagging US economic recovery.
Data showing that Chinese manufacturing activity hit a six-month high in October, a sign that recovery in the world's second-biggest economy and top energy consumer has consolidated, was also a boost to sentiment.
The Saudi oil minister said Monday in Singapore current oil prices at above $80 a barrel were within a "very comfortable zone" and beneficial to producers, consumers and companies alike.
"I would say we are in a very comfortable zone," he said in answer to a question after giving a keynote speech at an energy forum in Singapore.
"Producers, consumers and companies are all happy with this price," said al-Nuaimi, adding however that the crude market was "a little bit oversupplied".
Saudi Arabia is the leading producer and exporter of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries which pumps 40 percent of the world's oil.
