NEW YORK: Oil hit a nine-month high on Friday and was headed for a seventh straight weekly gain as investors focused on the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines and looked past rising coronavirus cases across the world. Pfizer has applied for approval in Japan for its vaccine, which is being used in the United Kingdom and the United States. US Vice President Mike Pence said US approval for Moderna's shot could come later on Friday.

Brent crude was 56 cents, or 1.1%, higher at $52.06 at 11:33 EDT (1533 GMT), its highest since March. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was up 64 cents at $49.00 after touching $49.18, its highest since February. "Oil prices are very healthy under the circumstances," said Bjornar Tonhaugen of Rystad Energy. "Market euphoria has not stopped really."

US lawmakers are trying to agree a coronavirus relief package but a new potential roadblock emerged as some Senate Republicans insisted on language ensuring that expiring Federal Reserve lending programmes cannot be revived.

"We see further expansion in risk appetite that will likely be driven by a possible US stimulus agreement and a continued flow of favorable news regarding coronavirus vaccines," said Jim Riterbusch, president of Ritterbusch and Associates in Galena, Illinois.

Even so, surging virus case numbers in major economies and new movement restrictions in Europe are impacting the immediate prospects for oil demand. The number of US cases rose by at least 239,018 on Thursday.

Oil gained support this week from weekly US supply data showing crude inventories fell by 3.1 million barrels, more than expected.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, known as OPEC+, are supporting the market by slowing the pace of a planned increase in supplies next year. OPEC+ plans to add 500,000 barrels per day of supply in January and will meet in early January to decide on next steps.