U.S. cash crude differentials were mixed on Friday, with Light Louisiana Sweet strengthening slightly, dealers said, as U.S. energy firms cut the number of oil rigs operating.

The oil rig count fell by five to 474 this week, their lowest since January, energy services firm Baker Hughes said on Friday. The rig count is an indication of future supply.

Light Louisiana Sweet (WTC-LLS) for May delivery strengthened 5 cents at a midpoint of a $2.20 premium, while West Texas Sour (WTC-WTS) strengthened 5 cents at a midpoint of a 25-cent discount.

Mars Sour (WTC-MRS) weakened 5 cents at a midpoint of a $1.2 premium.

In refining, U.S. oil refiners are expected to have about 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) of capacity offline in the week ending May 9, increasing available refining capacity by 429,000 bpd, research company IIR Energy said on Friday.

* Light Louisiana Sweet (WTC-LLS) for May delivery strengthened 5 cents at a midpoint of a $2.20 premium and was seen bid and offered between a $2.00 and $2.40 a barrel premium to U.S. crude futures

* Mars Sour (WTC-MRS) weakened 5 cents at a midpoint of a $1.2 premium and was seen bid and offered between a $1.10 and $1.3 a barrel premium to U.S. crude futures

* WTI Midland (WTC-WTM) was little changed at a midpoint of a 65-cent premium and was seen bid and offered between a 55-cent and 75-cent a barrel premium to U.S. crude futures

* West Texas Sour (WTC-WTS) strengthened 5 cents at a midpoint of a 25-cent discount and was seen bid and offered between discount of 50 cents and parity to U.S. crude futures

* WTI at East Houston (WTC-MEH), also known as MEH, traded between a 70-cent and 90-cent a barrel premium to U.S. crude futures

* ICE Brent July futures rose $1.07 to settle at $63.91 a barrel

* WTI June crude futures rose $1.11 to settle at $61.02 a barrel

* The Brent/WTI spread (WTCLc1-LCOc1) narrowed to last trade at minus $3.33, after hitting a high of minus $3.28 and a low of minus $3.38
Source: Reuters