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Oil prices slip, United States economic downturn fears offset Mideast supply worries

Oil futures extended losses in an unpredictable session on Monday as worries of a recession in top oil consumer the United States balance out supply concerns stemming from mounting tensions in the Middle East, the world's largest oil producing area.

Share markets also toppled throughout Asia as U.S. recession worries sent investors rushing from threat possessions while betting that fast fire rate cuts will be required to rescue development.

Brent crude dropped $1.04, or 1.4%, to $75.77 a. barrel by 0605 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude. was at $72.43 a barrel, down $1.09, or 1.5%.

Brent and WTI had actually toppled more than 3% on Friday, with both. agreements marking their 4th straight week of losses - most significant. losing streaks since November.

U.S. economic downturn worries, coming from Friday's weak July. payrolls report, only adds to Chinese need concerns that have. been sticking around in the oil market for a long time, ING analysts. led by Warren Patterson stated in a note.

Dropping diesel intake in China, the world's most significant. factor to oil demand development, is weighing on oil prices.

Oil also came under pressure after OPEC+ stuck to its plan. to phase out voluntary production cuts from October, which indicates. materials will increase later this year, analyst say.

A Reuters study showed on Friday that OPEC oil output increased. in July regardless of production cuts by the group.

Nevertheless, oil prices were supported by geopolitical risks in. the Middle East as fighting in Gaza continued Sunday, the day. after a round of talks in Cairo ended without outcome.

Israel and the United States are bracing for a serious. escalation in the area after Iran and its allies Hamas and. Hezbollah promised to retaliate against Israel for the killings. of Hamas' leader Ismail Haniyeh and Fuad Shukr, a leading armed force. commander from Lebanese armed group Hezbollah recently.

The danger of a wider local war, while I still think is. little, can't be neglected, Sydney-based IG market analyst Tony. Sycamore stated. There are some considerable left and ideal tail. threats at this moment..

(source: Reuters)