Oil prices were higher today as officials seemed closer to striking a deal on the US debt ceiling negotiations. Talks are likely to spill over into the weekend. Both benchmarks were higher week over week for the second straight week. Gasoline demand is expected to be robust as AAA is predicting this year’s Memorial Day weekend to be the third busiest for auto travel since 2000. The big variable is next week’s OPEC+ meeting, as mixed messages coming from members have indicated different positions on production policies. “I think we all are on guard here ahead of next week’s OPEC meeting,” said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital. WTI traded up $.84 or 1.2% to close at $72.67. Brent traded up $.69 or .9% to close at $76.95.