Brent crude futures gained 33 cents, or 0.4%, to $79.85 a barrel by 0020 GMT, after falling 1.5% in the previous session, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 38 cents, or 0.5%, to $76.69, after a 2.1% drop on Thursday.
On a weekly basis, Brent futures are on track to fall 1.7%, while WTI futures are set to drop 1.1%.
"Markets continue to remain wary of Chinese oil demand after June data came in weaker-than-expected," analysts at consultancy firm FGE said.
Asia's crude oil imports dropped to the lowest in two years in July on weak demand in China and India, according to data compiled by LSEG Oil Research.
Still, the outlook for Chinese crude oil imports is brightening, FGE analysts noted, citing an increase in strategic purchases and a recovery in refining rates in the country.
Persons:
Brent, FGE
Organizations:
Brent, U.S, West Texas, LSEG Oil Research
Locations:
Long Beach , California, United States, Europe, Asia, China, India, Iran, Israel