API data shows drop in U.S. oil and fuel stocks, sources say
Russian refineries attacked by Ukraine; Rosneft plant damaged
OPEC remains upbeat on oil demand growth
U.S. rate cut hopes have not been derailed by inflation data

LONDON, March 13 Reuters Oil rose on Wednesday, supported by potential supply disruption after Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries, signs of strong demand and hopes that the Federal Reserve might start cutting interest rates soon despite somewhat sticky U.S. inflation.

Ukraine launched a sweeping drone attack on Russian regions on Wednesday, causing a fire at Rosneft39;s biggest oil refinery in what President Vladimir Putin said was an attempt to disrupt Russia39;s presidential election.

The sudden but understandable brightening of oil price sentiment has been triggered by the continuous strikes on Russian refiners, said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM.

Brent crude futures for May rose 1.06, or 1.3, to 82.98 a barrel by 1104 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude for April gained 1.15, or 1.5, to 78.71.

Despite the rally, Brent has traded in a narrow range above 80 for more than a month, briefly rising above 84 in that time.

Also adding support, Varga said, was Tuesday39;s supply report from the American Petroleum Institute.

In an indication of healthy demand, U.S. crude oil and fuel inventories fell last week according to sources citing the API report ahead of Wednesday39;s official U.S. inventory figures.

In an earlier sign of…