Oil traded mixed in Asia today despite a rise in US crude stockpiles that drove home a lack of demand in the world's biggest energy consumer, analysts said.
New York's main futures contract, light sweet crude for delivery in March, eased 17 cents to $40.15 a barrel.
Brent North Sea crude for delivery in March gained 10 cents to $44.25 a barrel.
"The downward momentum in pricing has been broken," said Victor Shum, senior principal in Singapore with energy consultants Purvin and Gertz. He said the 40-dollar level "seems to be a very strong support".
After plunging from record highs above $147 last July, oil prices touched multi-year lows in December, at one point nearing $32 a barrel.