NYMEX-US oil holds above $97, plunge in distillate stocks supports

SINGAPORE, Jan 30 (Reuters) - U.S. crude futures held above $97 a barrel in early Asian trade on Thursday, drawing support from a steep fall in distillate stocks in the world's top oil consumer as bitter cold boosts demand for heating oil. U.S. crude had gained 19 cents to $97.55 a barrel by 0026 GMT, after ending 5 cents lower. Brent futures rose 44 cents to settle at $107.85, with the price.