Crude futures settle higher

NEW YORK, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Oil prices climbed on Thursday.

The West Texas Intermediate for February delivery gained 1.41 U.S. dollars, or 1.97 percent, to settle at 73.13 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude for March delivery increased 1.29 dollars, or 1.73 percent, to settle at 75.93 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.