Crude futures settle higher

NEW YORK, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Oil prices advanced on Wednesday.

The West Texas Intermediate for August delivery gained 1.07 U.S. dollars, or 1.29 percent, to settle at 83.88 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude for September delivery increased by 1.10 dollars, or 1.28 percent, to settle at 87.34 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.