Oil prices rose on Friday, extending day-earlier gains, as data showed demand for crude picking up in China after the easing of curbs to stem the coronavirus outbreak, boosting hopes that the global supply overhang may start to fade.

Brent crude was up 31 cents, or 1% at $31.47 per barrel, after rising nearly 7% on Thursday. The global benchmark is heading for a 1.8% gain on the week after rising for the previous two weeks.

West Texas Intermediate was up 21 cents, or 0.76%, at $27.77 per barrel, having jumped 9% in the previous session. WTI is heading for a third weekly increase, up more than 12%.

Amid supply cuts by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other major producers, bright spots are also emerging on the demand side. Data released on Friday showed China’s daily crude oil use rebounded in April as refineries ramped up operations.

Source: Reuters