Crude oil futures down on weak Asian cues

NEW DELHI: Crude oil futures prices today fell by 0.64 per cent to Rs 5,726 per barrel, as speculators trimmed positions amid a weakening trend in the Asian trade on weak Chinese manufacturing data.

At the Multi Commodity Exchange, crude oil for delivery in July shed Rs 37, or 0.64 per cent, to Rs 5,726 per barrel in 4,601 lots.

In a likewise manner, oil for August delivery moved down by a similar margin to trade at Rs 5,741 per barrel in 532 lots.

The trading sentiment eased at futures trade as crude oil prices declined in Asian trade as weak Chinese manufacturing activity fuelled concerns over energy demand in the world's second biggest economy, analysts said.

Meanwhile, crude oil for the April delivery dropped 38 cents to USD 96.18 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.