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Singapore - Oil prices climbed in Asian trade on Tuesday, bolstered by continued unrest in the Middle East and North Africa and robust Chinese demand, analysts said.
New York's main contract, light sweet crude for March delivery, was up 33c to $85.14 per barrel in the afternoon and Brent North Sea crude for delivery in April advanced 34c to $103.42.
"Unrest in the Middle East could provide some support to crude oil prices," said Ong Yi Ling, investment analyst for Phillip Futures in Singapore.
Crude markets had been supported by supply concerns in the Middle East as demonstrators in various Arab states drew inspiration from pro-democracy protests leading to the ouster of leaders in Tunisia and Egypt.
Unrest has followed in Iran, Yemen and Bahrain.
Robust Chinese demand has also helped support prices.
"China crude oil imports rose 27% from a year ago," Ong said.
Chinese data released on Monday showed the world's largest energy consumer importing 5.13 million barrels of crude per day in January.
