Have oil prices been on the rise?

''US crude surges more than 2%, settling at $61.63, its best closing price since December 2014

U.S. crude oil prices rise to the highest level in 2½ years, topping $61 a barrel.
Concerns over protests in Iran, OPEC's third biggest oil producer, have roiled markets.
Analysts warn that there is no direct threat to Iran's oil exports and the market has gotten very bullish on crude, potentially setting up a pullback.

Oil prices hit fresh highs on Wednesday, with U.S. crude topping $61 a barrel for the first time in 2½ years, as the broader market got a boost from strong economic data and as a week of unrest in Iran continued.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude ended Wednesday's session up $1.26, or 2.1 percent, at $61.63, posting its best closing price since December 2014.''