Crude futures News

The benchmark touched a seven-year high of $105.79 after the invasion began last week. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) April crude futures were up $4.14, or 4.33%, at $99.86 a barrel after hitting its highest level since July 2014 at $101.53. Russia said on Tuesday its forces had cut off the Ukrainian military from the Sea of Azov north of the Black Sea.

US crude prices dipped in early Asian trading on Thursday as oil storage levels hit record highs, and Goldman Sachs said prices would remain low and volatile until the second half of the year.

 Oil extended its gains and soared about 8 percent on Friday, as a cold snap boosted demand for heating oil and investors took advantage of the lowest prices since 2003 to close out some of their more profitable bets on price declines.  

"Fundamental data indicates that the oil market is oversupplied by over 2 million barrels per day," the bank said. But it added that due to a recent rally in prices it had lifted its average 2015 Brent and WTI price forecasts to $60 and $55.10 per barrel respectively, up from $52.50 and $48.60 a barrel previously.

New York oil prices sank to a six-year low on Monday, falling below $44 per barrel as the market was plagued by plentiful supplies and the strong dollar.