World oil prices rose on Friday but remained below 74 dollars as concerns about demand and a strengthening US dollar kept a hold on prices, analysts said. Traders will focus later Friday on fourth-quarter economic growth data in the United States, which is the world's biggest energy consuming nation. New York's main futures contract, light sweet crude for delivery in March, gained 33 cents to 73.97 dollars a barrel at about 0910 GMT. London's Brent North Sea crude for March delivery won 38 cents to 72.51 dollars. 'Even though it's up... it's quite small so pricing remains relatively flat below 74 dollars,' said Victor Shum, a senior principal with international energy consultants Purvin and Gertz. He added that prices could remain under 74 dollars for the near term, with the overall market sentiment hampered by concerns over weak energy demand and a stronger dollar. The euro lost more ground against the dollar on Friday as worries deepened about the state of the European economies in light of Greece's debt woes, dealers said. Oil is traded in US dollars and a rise in the currency makes the commodity more expensive to holders of weaker units. The market has largely shrugged off US President Barack Obama's moves to boost jobs and rein in debt in the world's biggest economy and its largest energy consuming nation. Obama, in his maiden State of the Union address late Wednesday, called for legislation to spur jobs as the nation grappled with double-digit unemployment amid a fragile economic recovery. He also announced various programmes to boost small businesses as well as plans to cut spending to stem a ballooning budget deficit. 