NEW DELHI, 18 October (H.S.): Brent crude futures gained 0.4% to 74 dollars

and 71 cents per barrel, whereas US West Texas Intermediate crude was at 70

dollars and 96 cents a barrel up 29 cents.

Both contracts settled higher on Thursday for

the first time in five sessions after data from the Energy Information

Administration (EIA) showed that U.S. crude oil, gasoline and distillate

inventories fell last week.

Crude oil futures steadied on Friday after

strong U.S. retail sales data and the emergence of more fiscal stimulus to

boost China's economy, though prices were still headed for their biggest weekly

loss in more than a month.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Nimish kumar