Global crude oil futures extended gains for the third straight day today, as bullish forecasts on recovering demand this summer outweighed concerns about the impact of rising COVID-19 cases in India, Japan and Brazil. So, Brent crude for June rose 49 cents, to trade at USD 67.76 a barrel, while US crude futures for June gained 43 cents, to USD 64.29 a barrel.

 
Meanwhile, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, together with Russia and their allies, stuck to their plans for a gradual easing of oil production restrictions from May to July, after OPEC slightly raised its 2021 demand growth forecast to 6 million barrels per day.