The price of oil has hit a six-month high after encouraging manufacturing data in the US and China.

因遭遇生产制造单问题，美国与中国的油价达到近六个月以来最高点。

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Many analysts expect the oil price to continue rising

US light crude oil rose by $2 a barrel or 2.5%, to $83.45, while London Brent rose by $1.90 to $85.04 a barrel, before both slipped back slightly.

Figures showed that the US manufacturing sector² accelerated faster than expected in October.

Earlier, figures showed Chinese manufacturing powering ahead.

China's official purchasing managers' index (PMI) rose to 54.7 in October from 53.8 in September, well above analysts' expectations.

In the US, the equivalent（等价的） manufacturing PMI also rose to a higher-than-expected 56.9, up from 54.4 in September.

Index figures above 50 suggest expansion of the sector.

The data also helped to push global stock markets higher.

'Comfort zone'

Comments by Saudi Arabia's Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi also helped to boost the price of oil to its highest level since 3 May.

"I would say we are in a very comfortable zone that should continue for some time," Mr al-Naimi said.

"Producers, consumers and companies are all very happy with this price."

Analysts said that Mr al-Naimi's words comforted oil traders as they "give assurance that the Saudis won't do anything to prevent a further rise above $80, at least until prices exceed $90," said Carsten Fritsch at Commerzbank.