Data on Thursday showed China's oil refinery throughput rose 15.4% in May from a year earlier, hitting its second-highest total on record.
In the United States, data released on Thursday showed retail sales unexpectedly rose in May, along with higher-than-expected jobless claims last week.
A weaker dollar makes oil cheaper for holders of other currencies, which could boost demand.
Still, a weak economic outlook looms over market sentiment, as China's industrial output and retail sales growth in May missed forecasts.
Higher interest rates ultimately increase borrowing costs for consumers, which could slow economic growth and reduce oil demand.
Persons:
Edward Moya, OANDA, Stephanie Kelly, Leslie Adler, Jamie Freed
Organizations:
Brent, U.S, West Texas, Kuwait Petroleum, Organization of, Petroleum, European Central Bank, U.S . Federal Reserve, Thomson
Locations:
China, Kuwait, United States, Saudi Arabia, New York, Singapore