U. S. crude oil futures ended higher for the sixth straight session on Friday, lifted by economic data from the U. S., Japan and India that reinforced perception the global recession was abating, and as the dollar weakened to a five-month low.

U. S. natural gas futures could not track crude oil and ended, hit by profit taking after big gains on Thursday.

Iran's oil minister said crude prices were expected to rise in a "calm fashion", the Oil Ministry web site SHANA reported on Sunday.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries kept output targets unchanged on Thursday, as expected, betting on a strengthening world economy and tentative signs of increased demand to boost oil prices.

The U. S. economy contracted less than initially estimated in the first quarter. The gross domestic product declined at a 5.7 percent annual rate, less steeply than the 6.1 percent rate estimated by the government last month. Market expectations were for a 5.5 percent contraction.

The season's first tropical depression formed in the Atlantic Thursday, though the system did not have an effect on Gulf energy production.

Crude oil: Today, we have U. S. ISM Manufacturing Index report and any positive surprise may trigger an upside in Energy basket. Crude oil futures have been moving up on expectation that U. S. recession is bottoming out and worst may be over. U. S. is the largest consumer of crude oil and improvement in economic scenario is definitely positive for crude oil. We recommend buying crude oil and natural gas futures at dips during the day.

Crude moved sharply in previous week from 2900 to 3135, an increase of 8%. The RSI is seen moving upwards along with rising ADX and +DI. Thus, the uptrend looks to continue. One can buy Crude during the day at 3100 level, targeting 3165 and 3190, with a Sl of 3075. However, if prices break 3075 levels, then price can see a correction up till 3000 levels.

Natural gas prices took resistance at 195 levels on Friday. The RSI is seen rising along with rising ADX and +DI. The other indicators being positive, prices are expected to take support at the 178 levels. Therefore, one can remain long in Natural Gas between 180-82 levels for the day with a Sl of 177.5, targeting 190-92 levels.