Oil prices rise further

Oil prices rose further on Thursday, extending the previous day's gains on a drop in US crude inventories that offset disappointing growth data in the world's biggest economy. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for delivery in June climbed 42 cents to $59 a barrel. Brent North Sea crude for June delivery gained 0.34 cents to stand at $66.88 a barrel in London midday deals. Howie Lee, an investment analyst with Phillip Futures, said the poor growth "suggests deep-lying problems&q