May 2, 2003	Friday	Safar 29, 1424

LONDON, May 1: IPE Brent crude oil futures stayed firmer in a very narrow range on Thursday, as US energy stock data and Opec remarks on possible intervention to prevent a price slide continued to provide support in thin holiday trade. By 1657 GMT, front month June Brent futures were stuck in a 27-cent range and volume of just over 20,000 lots, up 32 cents at $24 a barrel.

NYMEX June crude stood 49 cents higher soon after the floor opening to $26.29 per barrel, after a 56-cent Wednesday rise broke a six-session losing streak.—Reuters