LONDON, March 19 Reuters Oil prices were largely steady on Tuesday near fourmonth highs after breaking above rangebound trading last week, but the prospect of rising exports from Russia capped gains amid Ukrainian attacks on refineries.

The Brent crude oil futures contract for May delivery was up 10 cents to 86.99 a barrel at 1320 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate WTI prices were up 12 cents to 82.28.

The WTI April contract, with expires on Wednesday, was up 13 cents to 82.85.

Both benchmarks hit highs last seen in November in the previous session, buoyed by lower crude exports from Saudi Arabia and Iraq, and signs of stronger demand and economic growth in China and the United States.

Oil demand data surprising on the positive side and the extension of the voluntary OPEC cuts until the end of June have supported prices, said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo.

Brent will likely trade in a 8090 per barrel range this year, with an endJune forecast of 86 per barrel.

In Russia, exports are rising after Ukrainian drone attacks on the country39;s oil infrastructure, pressuring prices.

Attacks will likely reduce Russian crude runs by up to 300,000 barrels per day, in addition to scheduled maintenance closures, JP Morgan analysts wrote in a note.

Lower primary runs, however, would lead to higher crude oil exports, they added.

Russia will increase oil exports through its western ports in March by almost 200,000 barrels per day bpd against a monthly plan for 2.15…