
March WTI crude oil (CLH25) Friday closed up +0.39 (+0.55%), and March RBOB gasoline (RBH25) closed up +0.0303 (+1.46%).
Crude oil and gasoline prices Friday posted moderate gains on signs of US economic strength after the Jan unemployment rate unexpectedly fell to an 8-month low of 4.0%. Also, concerns that global crude supplies could tighten are boosting prices after the US ramped up sanctions on Iranian crude exports on Thursday. A stronger dollar Friday limited the upside in crude oil. Also, the unexpected decline in the University of Michigan US Feb consumer sentiment index to a 7-month low is bearish for energy demand and crude prices.