Global oil prices resume rise on US and China outlook        

China's service sector has gathered steam with the sharpest increase in sales in three months

The ESB generating station in Aghada, Co Cork. Picture: David Creedon/Anzenberger

Strong economic data from China and the US helped to lift oil prices by 2%, recouping some of the previous session's losses.

The global benchmark Brent gained $1.11 to $63.26 a barrel, as prices were buoyed as March data showed US services activity touched a record high.