Crude futures rising

In crude oil futures on Wednesday, Nymex WTI May deliveries were up 39 cents to $52.69 per barrel at mid-day after a $1.93 gain on Tuesday.

June deliveries were up 41 cents to $54.02 after a rise of $2.08 on Tuesday. IPE Brent June deliveries were up 65 cents to $53.59 per barrel by early afternoon after an advance of $2.07 on Tuesday.

The gains were put to expectations that weekly crude oil inventory data from the U.S., due to be reported later in the day, would show that inventories were up yet again. Reports from other commodities markets were mixed.