Oil prices fall as demand concerns overshadow Libyan export halt
Brent oil prices fell on Tuesday as sluggish economic growth in China, the world's biggest crude importer, increased worries about demand that overshadowed the impact of the halt of production and exports from Libya.
Brent crude futures were down 17 cents, or 0.2%, to $77.35 a barrel by 0620 GMT.
West Texas Intermediate crude futures, which did not settle on Monday because of the U.S. Labour Day holiday, were up 50 cents, or 0.7%, at $74.05 a barrel.
China's purchasing managers' index (PMI) hit a six-month low in August. On Monday, the country reported new export orders in July fell for first time in eight months, and new home prices grew in August at their weakest pace this year.
Continuing disruptions to supply flows from the Middle East are also supporting the market.
Two oil tankers were attacked on Monday in the Red Sea off Yemen but did not sustain major damage. The Iran-backed Houthis, who are attacking shipping in support of Hamas' fight against Israel in Gaza, claimed responsibility.
Source: Reuters
