Oil prices drop as Chinese demand data shows depressed consumption

Oil prices slid on Monday after Chinese data showed that demand from the world’s largest crude importer remained lacklustre in September as strict COVID-19 policies and fuel export curbs depressed consumption.

Brent crude futures for December settlement fell 67 cents, or 0.7%, to $92.83 a barrel by 1110 GMT after rising 2% last week. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude for December delivery was at $84.16 a barrel, down 89 cents, or 1.1%.

Although higher than in August, China’s September crude imports of 9.79 million barrels per day were 2% below a year earlier, customs data showed on Monday, as independent refiners curbed throughput amid thin margins and lacklustre demand.