Brent crude moved above the $84 per barrel mark today, Friday, after data released this week indicated an increase in demand in the United States and China, the world's largest crude consumers, while the ongoing conflict in the Middle East also supported prices. As of 13:14 GMT, Brent futures rose by 33 cents to $84.21 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude increased by 42 cents to $79.68.