Oil prices gained more than one per cent after US President Donald Trump said China wants to buy oil from the country and as concerns persisted over ship attacks and seizures despite Iran saying about 30 vessels had passed through the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reports.

Brent crude oil futures rose $1.17, or 1.11pc, to $106.89 a barrel by 0252 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate futures were up $1.10, or 1.09pc, to $102.27.

Trump also said in an interview with Fox News he would not be much more patient with Iran as he urged Tehran to reach a deal with Washington.