LONDON, Dec 24 Reuters Oil prices rose on Tuesday, reversing the prior session39;s losses, buoyed by a slightly positive market outlook for the short term, despite thin trade ahead of the Christmas holiday.

Brent crude futures were up 36 cents, or 0.5, at 72.9 a barrel, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 34 cents, also 0.5, to 69.58 a barrel by 1213 GMT.

FGE analysts said they anticipated the benchmark prices would fluctuate around current levels in the short term as activity in the paper markets decreases during the holiday season and market participants stay on the sidelines until they get a clearer view of 2024 and 2025 global oil balances.

Supply and demand changes in December have been supportive of their current lessbearish view so far, the analysts said in a note.

Given how short the paper market is on positioning, any supply disruption could lead to upward spikes in structure, they added.

Some other analysts also pointed to signs of greater oil demand over the next few months.

The year is ending with the consensus from major agencies over long 2025 liquids balances starting to break down, said Neil Crosby, Sparta Commodities39; assistant vicepresident of oil analytics, in a note.

The EIA39;s shortterm energy outlook STEO recently shifted their 2025 liquids to a draw, despite continuing to bring back some OPEC barrels next year.

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