To offset some of the losses suffered in the previous session when prices hit their lowest level in three weeks, oil prices today are up more than one percent.

It is noted that gains were likely limited by fears that the rise in new corona infections and restrictions in China would negatively affect fuel demand.

Brent crude climbed 84 cents or 1.2 percent to $ 69.88 a barrel by 06:56 GMT, after dropping 2.3 percent yesterday, and U.S. crude climbed 99 cents or 1.5 percent to $ 67.47 a barrel, after hitting 2.6 percent in the previous session.

Today, China announced more COFID-19 injuries, in what analysts say is the biggest test faced by Beijing's zero-casualty strategy.

Some cities in China, the world's largest importer of crude oil, have promoted extensive testing as authorities seek to stop the locally transmitted infection of the mutated delta strain of corona virus.

Analysts say: "In the United States, the Senate is poised to vote to pass a trillion-dollar infrastructure bill later today, which if passed will boost the economy and demand for petroleum products, but the rise in new corona infections is damaging prospects for economic growth and consumption in general."

A.N.Z Research said in a note that "Investors are also asking questions about recovery in the United States in the light of rising SFA figures. The air sector in the United States has been stagnating for nearly two months under current restrictions on Alice.

Crude stocks are expected to fall by about 1.1 million barrels in the week ending August 6, according to an average estimate of six analysts.