KUWAIT, March 27 (KUNA) -- Kuwaiti crude oil was selling for USD 104.84 per barrel (pb) on Tuesday on a gain of 13 cents, compared to the previous rate of USD 104.71 pb, said Kuwait Petroleum Corporation on Wednesday.

Forward contracts saw crude prices close to their highest in five weeks amid expectations of a hike of around 1.4 million barrels in the crude stockpile of the US, the world's top consumer.

Contracts for crude for May delivery at the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) came to an average of USD 94.69 pb. The highest price seen yesterday was USD 94.75 and the lowest USD 94.68 pb.