Tokyo: Oil prices fell on Wednesday after data showed a surprise rise in US crude stockpiles and Chinese industrial output for April grew less than expected, but prices were supported by mounting tensions in West Asia.
Brent crude futures were at $71.04 a barrel at 0358 GMT, down 20 cents, or 0.3%, from their last close. Brent closed 1.4% higher on Tuesday.
US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $61.38 per barrel, down 40 cents, or 0.7%, from their previous settlement. WTI closed up 1.2% in the previous session.
