Crude futures settle higher

NEW YORK, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Oil prices advanced on Wednesday.

The West Texas Intermediate for September delivery increased by 63 cents, or 0.82 percent, to settle at 77.59 U.S. dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude for September delivery added 70 cents, or 0.86 percent, to settle at 81.71 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.