POLLU.S. crude, gasoline stockpiles likely rose last week
China factory activity data on March 1 key for sentiment
Fed39;s Jefferson 39;No illusion39; inflation fight will be quick

LONDON, Feb 28 Reuters Oil prices rose on Tuesday, erasing the previous session39;s losses, as hopes for a solid economic rebound in China offset worries about further U.S. interest rate hikes dragging on consumption in the world39;s biggest economy.

Brent crude futures for April , due to expire on Tuesday, were up by 87 cents, or 1.1, to 83.32 per barrel by 1059 GMT. The more active May contract rose 1.09, or 1.3, to 83.13 per barrel.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate WTI crude futures gained 1.18, or 1.6, to 76.89 a barrel.

Expectations of demand recovery in China underpinned gains, with the market awaiting key data over the next two days. Economists polled by Reuters expected factory activity in the world39;s secondlargest economy grew in February.

China39;s economic recovery will drive its demand for commodities higher with oil positioned to benefit the most, JPMorgan analysts said in a client note.

JPMorgan39;s oil analysts maintained their 2023 average price forecast on Brent crude futures at 90 per barrel.

The threat of more U.S. rate increases following strongerthanexpected new orders for core U.S.manufactured capital goods in January, capped gains though, with U.S. Federal Reserve Governor Philip Jefferson saying inflation for services remained stubbornly high.

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