london • World oil prices firmed yesterday as traders looked once again to tight US motor fuel reserves ahead of the peak-demand US driving season which starts this weekend, analysts said.

Further price support came from renewed tensions over the contested nuclear programme of oil producer Iran and following more kidnappings in Nigeria, Africa’s biggest exporter of crude, they added.

Brent North Sea crude for July delivery rose eight cents to $70.80 per barrel in electronic deals.

New York’s main oil futures contract, light sweet crude for delivery in July, gained 70 cents to $64.88a barrel in floor trading.