LONDON, May 17: World oil prices steadied on Tuesday as traders focused on supplies before publication of official US crude inventories data and amid comments from Opec, analysts said.

New York’s main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in June, rose two cents to $48.63 per barrel in early deals after falling to $47.60 the previous day, the lowest level since February 18.

In London, the price of Brent North Sea crude oil for delivery in July gained 22 cents to $49.31 per barrel. The June contract expired late Monday, priced at $48.05 after hitting $47.65, last seen on February 22.—AFP