Investing.com - U.S. oil prices ticked higher for the second straight day on Wednesday, boosted in part by the lifting of a four-decade ban on U.S. oil exports.
U.S. crude futures were up 0.9% at $36.47 a barrel at 9.42 GMT, after rallying 0.92% on Tuesday.
Internationally traded Brent futures were up 1.22% to $36.55. The global benchmark fell 0.66% in the prior session.
U.S. crude has been firmer relative to Brent recently, on signs that the U.S. oil market is likely to grow tighter, while a global glut gets worse in 2016.
Stronger WTI prices were also supported by an unexpected fall in U.S. crude stocks, as reported by industry group the American Petroleum Institute. Official inventory data is due to be published later on Wednesday.