Crude futures settle higher

NEW YORK, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- Oil prices soared on Thursday.

The West Texas Intermediate for November delivery increased 3.61 U.S. dollars, or 5.15 percent, to settle at 73.71 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude for December delivery added 3.72 dollars, or 5.03 percent, to settle at 77.62 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.