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Crude oil futures rose 0.41 per cent to Rs 3,161 per barrel on Tuesday as speculators created fresh positions despite a weak trend in Asian markets.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange, crude oil for delivery in May gained Rs 13, or 0.41 per cent, to Rs 3,161 per barrel, with a business turnover of 300 lots.
The oil for delivery in April moved up by Rs 10, or 0.33 per cent, to Rs 3,027 per barrel, with a business volume of 4,704 lots.
Marketmen said fresh positions built-up by speculators at current levels pushed up crude oil prices at futures trade but a weak trend in Asian markets as dealers monitored last-ditch efforts between global powers and Iran to reach a deal on Tehran's nuclear programme, capped the gains.
Meanwhile, West Texas Intermediate crude prices fell 69 cents to $47.99 while Brent eased 55 cents to $55.74 per barrel in mid-day trade on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
