Crude oil futures down on weak Asian cues

Crude oil futures prices today fell by 0.44% to Rs 5,638 per barrel, as speculators trimmed positions amid a weakening trend in the Asian trade on profit-booking.

At the Multi Commodity Exchange, crude oil for delivery in June shed Rs 25, or 0.44 %, to Rs 5,638 per barrel in 5,780 lots.

Similarly, oil for July delivery moved down by Rs 24, or 0.42 %, to Rs 5,668 per barrel in 1,343 lots.

The trading sentiment eased at futures trade as crude oil prices declined in Asian trade after investors took pOilrofits following last week's rally triggered by concerns over rising tensions in the Middle East, analysts said.

Meanwhile, crude oil for the April delivery dropped 19 cents to $97.66 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.