Oil prices inch higher on output cut support, but US coronavirus spike caps gains

MELBOURNE: Oil prices cautiously rose in early trade on Tuesday with major producers sticking to supply cuts, but gains were capped as U.S. coronavirus cases surged, potentially hampering a recovery in fuel demand.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures climbed 13 cents, or 0.3%, to $40.76 a barrel at 0103 GMT, recouping a 2 cent loss from Monday.

Brent crude futures rose 7 cents, or 0.2%, to $43.17, adding to a 0.7% gain on Monday.