Brent ended up 0.64% at $56.42 and WTI ended up 1.25% at $53.37.

Oil prices, which were down at the start of the American session, reversed the trend and ended up rising in a market hoping for a new stimulus package in the United States, which could boost oil consumption.

North Sea Brent crude oil for delivery in March took 36 cents or 0.64% to London compared to the close of the day before, at 56.42 dollars.

For its part, the American barrel of WTI for the month of February rose 66 cents or 1.25%, to 53.37 dollars.

This is the highest closing price for WTI since the end of February 2020.

The American president-elect Joe Biden is due to unveil measures on Thursday evening to help the United States emerge from the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The future Democratic tenant of the White House, whose term will officially begin on January 20, has promised “trillions of dollars” to revive the American economy.

A resumption of activity should benefit oil demand, which was greatly reduced by lockdowns and limited travel during the coronavirus pandemic.

During the session on Thursday, investors took note of the monthly report of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

After a fall in global demand for crude oil by 9.8 million barrels per day last year due to the pandemic and the slowdown or even the virtual cessation of certain activities, such as air transport, OPEC is still counting on a rebound of 5.9 million barrels per day in 2021.

“While the organization left its demand forecasts for this year unchanged, it highlighted the risks to economic recovery in 2021,” noted Oanda analyst Craig Erlam.

Investors have also digested data on U.S. crude oil reserves, which fell by 3.2 million barrels last week, according to a report by the U.S. Energy Information Agency (EIA) released Wednesday.

But the report also “revealed the short-term weakness in gas demand,” said Neil Wilson of Markets.com.

Indeed, American gasoline reserves increased by 4.4 million barrels, while analysts expected half as much. Stocks of distilled products (fuel and heating gas), which are barometers of industrial activity, are also on the rise