Thanks to expectations that the omicron mutant of the corona virus will have only a limited impact on global demand, oil prices have continued to rise today.

U.S. crude futures for "West Texas Intermediate" rose 1.52% to $76.72 per barrel.

Brent crude futures climbed 1.28% to $79.61 per barrel, according to Bloomberg.

The British Health Minister, Sajid Jawed, said yesterday that England will not impose any new restrictions on the corona virus until the end of 2021, as the Government awaits further evidence as to whether health services can cope with the high infection rates.

Backed by the recovery in demand and the reduction in OPEC production, oil prices have risen by more than 50 percent this year.