Investing.com - Oil prices were steady near three-week lows on Thursday, but remained supported by hopes for a collective effort by major producers to support prices.
U.S. crude was trading at $44.64 at 07:00 ET, while Brent crude was down 16 cents or 0.34% to $46.37.
Saudi Arabia's foreign minister said Thursay that OPEC and non-OPEC oil producers were increasingly moving towards a common position, adding to hopes for steps to underpin prices.
The comments came a day after U.S. supply data rekindled fears over a supply glut, sending prices sharply lower.
Oil rose to the highs of the day earlier, after Chinese data showed that manufacturing activity posted the strongest increase in 22 months in August.
China is the world's second largest oil consumer after the U.S. and manufacturing numbers are used as indicators for fuel demand growth.