Oil prices fell on Tuesday as weak economic data from China, a top crude importer, renewed fears of a global recession.
Brent crude futures fell 1.6 percent to $93.50 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude futures dipped 1.3 percent to $88.57 a barrel.
China’s central bank cut lending rates to revive demand as the country’s economy slowed unexpectedly in July, with the factory and retail activity squeezed by Beijing’s zero-COVID policy and a property crisis.
Market strategist, IG Group, Yeap Jun Rong told Reuters that signs of global recession resulted in a downslide.
“Commodities prices across the board were under pressure as China’s July economic data painted a more downbeat growth picture than previously expected, which prompted renewed concerns on demand outlook,” Rong said.
Despite the decline in global oil prices, it is still above Nigeria’s oil benchmark, pegged at $62 a barrel.
The price differential should portend more revenue for the country, but petrol subsidies have eroded gains.