Oil prices rise--

LONDON, Jan 9 (Reuters): Oil prices rose on Friday on concerns about potential disruption to Iran's output and uncertainty about supply from Venezuela.

Brent futures were up 59 cents, or 0.95 per cent, to $62.58 per barrel at 1204 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was up 54 cents, or 0.9 per cent, to $58.30.

Both benchmarks climbed more than 3 per cent on Thursday, following two straight days of declines. For the week, Brent is on track to climb 3 per cent, while WTI has gained 1.7 per cent.

"Iran protests seem to be gathering momentum, leading the market to worry about disruptions," said Ole Hansen, head of commodity analysis at Saxo Bank.

Civil unrest in major Middle Eastern producer Iran and concerns about the spread of the Russia-Ukraine war to Russian oil exports have increased supply worries.

Meanwhile, the White House is set to meet

with oil companies and trading houses on Friday to discuss Venezuelan export deals.