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Oil prices fall on strong dollar and fears of oversupply

The oil prices fell on Tuesday due to weaker manufacturing data and a stronger US dollar. In addition, the OPEC+'s decision to pause production increases in the first quarter next year may signal their concern over a possible supply glut.

Brent crude futures were down 31 cents or 0.5% to $64.58 per barrel at 12:27 pm (1726 GMT). U.S. West Texas Intermediate Crude was down 33 cents or 0.5% at $60.72.

The high dollar valuation is putting pressure on crude futures today. U.S. stocks are also experiencing a large downside correction during the early trading as the government shut down may begin to add downward pressure. This could ultimately hurt domestic fuel consumption," said Dennis Kissler. Senior vice president of BOK Financial's Trading Department. The dollar rose to a new four-month high versus the euro on February 2, as doubts about another rate cut in this year were raised by divisions within the Federal Reserve. The dollar's strength makes assets priced in dollars, such as oil, more expensive for those who hold other currencies.

Wall Street's major indexes fell to a new low on Tuesday, after some large U.S. financial institutions warned of a possible market decline. The U.S. shutdown entered its 35th consecutive day on Tuesday, matching the record for longest government shutdown in history set by President Donald Trump during his first term. The cost is increasing every day. The first time food assistance was stopped for the poor, federal employees from airports to the military and law enforcement are not paid and the economy is blinded by limited government reporting.

A private sector survey revealed that in Asia, Japan's manufacturing activities shrank at the fastest rate in 19 months in October due to a slump in demand for key automotive and semiconductor products. On the supply-side, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) and its allies agreed on Sunday to a modest increase in oil production for December, and a pause of increases in the first three months of 2019.

Bjarne Shieldrop, SEB Research's chief commodities analyst, said that the U.S. sanctions against Russian energy companies Lukoil, and Rosneft were fading.

"On Nov 21, when the sanctions are imposed (on companies that continue to do business with Russian companies), they will most likely disappear, or be pushed away in due time."

The American Petroleum Institute is expected to release its latest U.S. inventories later today. According to a preliminary poll, U.S. crude stockpiles are expected to have increased last week. Reporting by Seher DAREEN in London, Ashitha SHAIVPRASAD in Bengaluru, and Emily Chow, in Singapore. Editing by Ros ROUSSEL, Louise Heavens, and Tomasz JANOWSKY

(source: Reuters)