Oil & gas producers jumped in Hong Kong market. United Energy Group up 10%; CNOOC, PetroChina up over 3%; SINOPEC up over 1%.
Oil prices rose more than 1.5% in Asian trade, extending gains for a third day on Thursday, on increasing concerns the U.S. may carry out a military attack on key Middle Eastern producer Iran that could disrupt supply from the region.
Brent crude futures rose 83 cents, or 1.23%, to $68.20 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude climbed $0.93, or 1.47%, to $64.14 a barrel.