Oil prices rise on Ukraine fears

Oil prices rose in Asian trade Tuesday on renewed fears about Ukraine after pro-Russian protesters seized government buildings in the eastern city of Donetsk. New York's main contract West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for May delivery rose 51 cents to $100.95 a barrel in afternoon trade and Brent North Sea crude for May gained 26 cents to $106.08. The pro-Kremlin militants on Monday declared independence and vowed to hold a vote on joining Russia, fuelling concerns that Ukraine will fragment after Crimea was absorbed into its giant neighbour last month following a controversial referendum, according to AFP.