THE price of oil marched higher yesterday with a positive report on US hiring and ongoing concerns about the crisis in Egypt.

US benchmark crude for August delivery rose US$1.98, or 2 percent, to finish at US$103.22 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. That's the highest closing price since May 2, 2012.

Brent crude, a benchmark for many international oil varieties, rose US$2.18, or 2.1 percent, to end at US$107.72 per barrel on the ICE Futures exchange in London.

Following the ouster of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi on Wednesday, his supporters began a series of protests and attacks yesterday. The military opened fire as hundreds of protesters marched on a headquarters of the Republican Guard

Egypt is not an oil producer, but its control of the Suez Canal, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, gives it a crucial role in maintaining global energy supplies.

For now supplies are moving freely through the canal.

US employers added a robust 195,000 jobs in June and many more in April and May than previously thought. The job growth suggests a stronger economy and makes it more likely the Federal Reserve will slow its bond purchases before year's end.

Those bond purchases have supported the economy by helping keep long-term interest rates low. That in turn has given a boost to investments such as stocks and oil.

In other energy futures trading on the Nymex:

- Wholesale gasoline rose 6 cents to finish at US$2.90 per gallon.

- Natural gas fell 7 cents to end at US$3.62 per 1,000 cubic feet.

- Heating oil added 4 cents to finish at US$2.99 a gallon.