World crude oil prices rose the second day Thursday amid concern over Iran, as U.S. gasoline reserves rose less than expected.
New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in August, gained 51 cents to close at 70.84 dollars per barrel.
London's Brent crude for August delivery rose 78 cents to 69.95 dollars per barrel.
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Thursday that Iran is seriously considering the offer of negotiations on its nuclear energy plans made by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Wednesday that Iran will respond by mid-August to the proposals presented to Tehran in early June by EU foreign policy chief Javier Solan.
