LONDON, Apr 17 (Reuters): Brent oil hit a 2019 high above $72 a barrel on Wednesday, propelled by steady economic growth in China and a fall in US crude stocks which defied expectations and signaled firm demand, while global supply remained tight.
International benchmark Brent crude futures were up 28 cents, or 0.39 per cent, at $72 by 0910 GMT, having hit an intraday peak of $72.24.
US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $64.39 per barrel, up 34 cents or 0.53 per cent and just shy of a 2019 high of $64.79 hit last week.
China's economy grew by 6.4 per cent in the first quarter, official data showed, defying expectations for a further slowdown and assuaging global markets as a US-China trade deal also appears near.
Refinery throughput in China - the world's second-largest crude user - rose 3.2 per cent in March from a year earlier to 12.49 million barrels per day (bpd).
"The demand side of the equation got a substantial fillip via today's China data suggesting prices will continue to move higher on improving global growth and risk sentiment," said Stephen Innes, head of trading at SPI Asset Management.
Prices have been supported this year by a pact reached by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies, including Russia, to limit their oil output by 1.2 million bpd.
Global supply has been tightened further by US sanctions on OPEC members Venezuela and Iran.
Iran's crude exports have dropped in April to their lowest daily level this year, tanker data showed and industry sources said, suggesting a drawdown in buyer interest ahead of expected further pressure from Washington.
