(Reuters) - European shares ended higher on Thursday as a rally in crude prices saw energy stocks surge more than 2%, while strong earnings reports helped dispel some concerns over the infectious “Delta” variant of the coronavirus. The pan-European STOXX 600 closed 0.6% higher at 455.63 points, with energy stocks marking their best day in one month. Energy services provider TechnipFMC Plc was the top gainer in the sector, adding 4.4%. Oil prices rose almost $2 on the prospect of increasing global demand, while lower U.S. crude stocks helped. Reuters also reported that OPEC would hike production by less than expected, which could result in a supply shortfall and support oil prices later this year. “This approach comes amid a spreading Delta variant, which is still impacting mobility in certain geographies. Separately, Washington’s negotiations with Iran could also quench a substantial portion of expected deficits down the road,” analysts at TD Securities wrote in a note. “A Summer Breakout in energy markets can continue to gather steam with supply artificially constrained.” Travel-related stocks jumped 1.9% after falling for four days in a row on fears of more restrictions following a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in Asia and the United Kingdom. Airlines EasyJet, British Airways-owner IAG and Ryanair rose between 1.5% and 4%. The STOXX 600 was now within 1% of a record high hit in June, as growing optimism over a vaccine-led economic recovery this year saw sentiment jump to a 21-year high. GRAPHIC-STOXX 600 less than 1% below June peak - Figures on Thursday confirmed the euro zone manufacturing sector expanded last month at its fast pace on record. Germany’s DAX rose 0.5% as data showed retail sales in Europe’s biggest economy rebounded in May. Technology stocks, which had outperformed through the pandemic, were the sole losers for the day, down 0.7%. Investors were likely comfortable in pivoting to sectors more exposed to an economic recovery. Associated British Foods rose 4.8% as it said third-quarter sales at its Primark fashion stores that reopened after COVID-19 lockdowns were ahead of expectations in all markets. French catering and food services group Sodexo rose 2.3% after boosting its second-half revenue and profit margin forecasts, betting on the full reopening of U.S. schools. Sodexo’s peer, Denmark’s ISS, jumped 6.6% to the top of the STOXX 600, after the news. Fashion retailer H&M, on the other hand, fell 1.1% as its second-quarter earnings remained well below pre-pandemic levels. Reporting by Sagarika Jaisinghani, Julien Ponthus and Ambar Warrick; Editing by Uttaresh.V and Lisa Shumaker