Vienna - The price for crude oil produced by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) soared to new heights last Friday when it rose above 135 dollars for the first time, data released by OPEC on Monday showed.

One barrel (159 litres) of OPEC-produced crude stood at 135.31 dollars a barrel Thursday, up 4.54 dollars from 130.77 dollars the previous day.

According to analysts at Vienna-based JCB Energy, factors contributing to the price jump were Libyan statements that it might consider supply reductions, and the announcement by OPEC president Chakib Khelil on Thursday that crude prices might rise to 150 or 170 dollars this summer.

OPEC calculates an average basket price based on 13 important brands produced by cartel members. (dpa)