Oil prices up on tighter supply, China PMI in focus

Global oil prices were up in early trade on Thursday backed by tighter U.S. supply, with a focus on China factory activity due later in the day amid recent weak economic expansion data in the world's second-biggest economy. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained 10 cents, or 0.13%, to $81.74. Prices are on the rise this week, with U.S. government data showing tighter-than-expected crude supplies and a military coup in Gabon, an OPEC member, raising fears of crude oil supply disruptions providing additional support on Wednesday.