Oil prices rise on optimism over solid US fuel demand

Oil prices rose on Thursday, extending the previous day's rally, driven by optimism over U.S. fuel demand following an unexpected drop in crude and gasoline inventories, while reports that OPEC+ may delay a planned output increase offered support. Brent crude futures gained 35 cents, or 0.5%, to $72.90 a barrel by 0029 GMT. U.S. gasoline stockpiles fell unexpectedly in the week ending Oct. 25 to a two-year low on strengthened demand, the Energy Information Administration said, while crude inventories also posted a surprise drawdown as imports slipped.