Published by
Reuters UK
Reuters UK
By David Gaffen NEW YORK (Reuters) -Oil edged higher on Thursday, bolstered by strong demand and concerns about short-term supply disruptions, even though U.S. crude inventories rose for the first time in eight weeks. Brent crude futures were up 18 cents, or 0.2%, at $88.61 a barrel at 1:12 p.m. EST (1812 GMT). The global benchmark rose to $89.17 on Wednesday, its highest level since October 2014. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures for February delivery were down 26 cents, or 0.3%, at $86.70 a barrel. The contract, which expires on Thursday, climbed to $87.91 on Wednesday. The mo…