Oil prices fell on Friday April 12, 2012 and headed for a weekly loss after data showed that first-quarter economic growth in China, the world's No. 2 oil consumer, was the weakest in nearly three years, reinforcing concerns about slowing demand for petroleum.

A stronger dollar and a slip in U.S. consumer confidence in April also pressured oil prices. Read more »

Oil prices fell Monday April 9, 2012 on concerns about the economic recovery.

West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. benchmark crude, fell $1.92 to $101.39 per barrel. Brent crude, which is used to price oil imported by U.S. refineries, slipped $2.13 to $121.30 per barrel.

The U.S. economy added just 120,000 jobs in March— half as much as each of the previous three months. The government reported the disappointing data on Friday, but Monday was the first day oil markets were open. Stocks also fell. Read more »

Oil prices fell to near $104 a barrel Tuesday April 3, 2012 as traders eyed mixed signs about the strength of the global economy.

By early afternoon in Europe, benchmark oil for May delivery was down 90 cents to $104.33 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract rose $2.21 to settle at $105.23 per barrel in New York on Monday.

In London, Brent crude was down 74 cents at $124.69 per barrel on the ICE Futures exchange. Read more »

Oil prices slipped closer to $106 a barrel Monday March 26, 2012 as investors weighed concerns over global economic growth against possible disruptions in crude supplies due to an international standoff over Iran's nuclear program.

By early afternoon in Europe, benchmark oil for May delivery was down 28 cents to $106.59 at late afternoon Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract rose $1.52 to $106.87 per barrel in New York on Friday. Read more »