
Oil prices continued to decline due to concerns over weakening demand in the United States and China. Brent crude futures fell by 8 cents to $81.53 a barrel, while US crude dropped by 20 cents to $77.17. The market is less worried about potential disruptions in Middle Eastern supply and is focusing on an easing balance. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) revised its forecast, predicting a decrease in petroleum consumption by 300,000 barrels per day this year.