Crude oil prices fell by 0.61% in futures trade today as speculators offloaded positions in tandem with a weakening global trend.
On the Multi Commodity Exchange, January oil moved down by Rs 33, or 0.61%, to Rs 5,333 per barrel, with a trading volume of 11,453 lots.
The February contract shed Rs 32, or 0.59%, to Rs 5,357 per barrel in 927 lots.
Marketmen said the trading sentiment turned bearish after crude oil dropped in Asian trade on concerns that the European debt crisis could worsen, reducing demand.
New York's main contract, West Texas Intermediate for delivery in February, was down 49 cents to $101.07 in morning trade, while Brent North Sea crude for February delivery declined by 11 cents to $112.95 per barrel.
