Brent crude oil futures hit near three-year highs

Brent crude oil futures today hit near three-year highs. The Brent prices rose to trade above 82 dollars per barrel mark while U.S. benchmark crude prices close to 2014 peaks.   The crude prices rose after the OPEC supplier group decided to stick to a gradual output increase plan rather than fully opening the taps.   In intra-day trade, Brent crude was trading around 82 dollars and 40 cents per barrel while WTI crude prices were at 78 dollars and 50 cents per barrel.