North Sea Crude-Brent firms; March programmes start to emerge

LONDON, Jan 28 (Reuters) - North Sea Brent crude differentials firmed on Tuesday, supported by a higher bid, while March loading programmes pointed to higher supply of some grades. PROGRAMMES * Troll and Oseberg loadings will rise in March, a trade source said on Tuesday. * The rest of the loading programmes for benchmark grades are out on Thursday, another source said. PLATTS WINDOW * No deals. * Brent: Vitol bid for a Feb. 19-29 cargo at dated Brent plus 40 cents, up 10 cents from Monday's assessment, a trader said. * Brent: Mercuria bid for a Feb. 27-29 cargo at dated Brent plus 30 cents. The company later withdrew the bid. * Forties: No indications heard. (Reporting by Alex Lawler Editing by David Goodman )