Regional demand was steady, and coupled with limited exports from the Middle East, the market was firmly supported. Indonesia has sought September cargoes in its latest tender which closed Friday, traders said. "I don't expect Indonesia to buy a whole lot. But the fact it is still buying, that's supportive," a trader said.

A South Korean refiner was heard to have sold a first-half August cargo around 50 cents to $1.00 premium to Singapore prices, free-on-board. The cargo was widely believed to be destined for China. Traders said the premium level traded was more or less within market expectations. They said August barrels from South Korea remained limited due to planned maintenance shutdowns. "I'm hearing only two cargoes being offered from Korea so far, instead of the usual five tosix," a trader said, adding that these cargoes would eventually find homes in China.

Traders said tighter supplies, steady cargo demand and rising bunker demand has lent support to the buying spree of a US major. At the close, a 180-cst cargo was bought by a U.S. major at $102.00 for August 18-22 lifting. The trade was $1 higher than Thursday's deal.