Crude oil futures down 1.71 pc on weak Asian cues

NEW DELHI: Crude oil futures prices today fell by 1.71 per cent to Rs 5,344 per barrel, as speculators trimmed positions amid a weakening trend in the Asian trade.

At the Multi Commodity Exchange, crude oil for delivery in May fell by Rs 93 or 1.71 per cent, to Rs 5,344 per barrel in 1,380 lots.

Similarly, the oil for April delivery moved down by Rs 92, or 1.70 per cent, to Rs 5,308 per barrel in 23,153 lots.

The trading sentiment turned weak at futures trade after crude oil prices declined in Asian trade as investors booked profits after a run-up in prices last week before the long Easter break, marketmen said.

Meanwhile, crude oil for May delivery shed shed 39 cents to USD 96.84 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.