LONDON, Feb 27: Oil prices extended gains on Tuesday as the United States and its allies maintained pressure for tougher sanctions to curb Iran’s nuclear programme, dealers said.

Prices reached as high as $62.16 per barrel in London and $62.65 in New York.

Later on Tuesday, the price of Brent North Sea crude for April delivery showed a gain of 46 cents to $61.79 per barrel in London electronic deals.

New York’s main oil futures contract, light sweet crude for delivery in April, was up 51 cents at $61.90 per barrel in pit trading.

Traders were also looking ahead to Wednesday’s weekly update on US energy stockpiles, which could show a drop in supplies of heating fuel owing to cold weather.—AFP