NEW YORK, N.Y. - The price of oil climbed again Friday as a better-than-expected U.S. jobs report pointed to growth and a rising demand for energy this year. Benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude for June delivery was up $1.61 at US$95.60 a barrel in late morning trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Oil prices rebounded slightly Thursday on positive US jobs data and from sharp falls in previous days amid weaker global demand for crude. Brent North Sea crude for delivery in June jumped $1.06 to $101.01 a barrel in late London trading. New York's main contract, light sweet crude for June grew 82 cents to $91.85 a barrel.

Oil prices rebounded Thursday on bargain hunting following sharp falls the previous day, but analysts said markets would continue to be weighed down by signs of weaker demand for crude. Brent North Sea crude for delivery in June rose 75 cents to $100.70 a barrel approaching midday in London. New York's main contract, light sweet crude for June was up 37 cents to $91.40 a barrel. Both contracts had closed down by more than $2.40 Wednesday on fresh signs of economic weakness in the United States and China -- the world's largest crude consumers.

Oil rebounded in Asian trade Thursday on bargain hunting following a recent sharp fall, but analysts said prices would continue to be weighed down by signs of weaker demand. New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in June was up two cents to $91.05 a barrel and Brent North Sea crude for June delivery added three cents to $99.98 in the afternoon. Both contracts declined by over $2.40 a barrel on Wednesday on fresh signs of economic weakness in the United States and China -- the world's largest crude consumers.