Crude prices rose Thursday on Nigerian concerns despite U.S. government reported a rise in inventories.

The U.S. Department of Energy said Thursday that American gasoline (petrol) inventories jumped by 1.8 million barrels to 204.4 million barrels in the week ending June 29.

The crude oil stockpiles rose by 3.1 million barrels to reach 354 million barrels last week.

In Nigeria, the Africa's biggest oil producer, a rebel group, who ended a month-long truce, attacked on a Shell oil rig in the delta region. Gunmen also kidnapped a British girl in the country.

Light, sweet crude for August delivery rose 40 cents to settle at 71.81 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange after rose as high as 72.35 dollars.

London Brent crude gained 1.76 dollars to 74.81 dollars a barrel.