US oil prices recovered slightly in Asia today after the US contract fell below the psychological USD 50 mark in New York on demand worries, a strong dollar and a global supply glut.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for February, the US benchmark, rose 24 cents to USD 50.28 in late-morning trade. Brent crude rose for February rose 39 cents to USD 53.50.
WTI hit as low as USD 49.95 -- a level not seen since May 2009 -- Monday before closing at USD 50.04, down USD 2.65 from Friday. Brent fell USD 3.31 to USD 53.11.
"The price rebound (in Asia) is likely to be provisional as traders anticipate short-term moves in the oil market in this blow-off phase," Michael McCarthy, chief market strategist at CMC Markets in Sydney, told AFP.
Yesterday's slide followed indications of rising output from key producers Russia and Iraq at a time when forecasters have trimmed their demand projections due to weak global economic growth.
A long rally in the greenback, which gained 11 per cent last year against a basket of major currencies, has also weighed on the dollar-priced oil market by making crude more expensive for buyers using weaker units.
Analysts are warning of further losses to come for the black gold.
Oil has dropped about 50 per cent since June on worries about weak demand and a decision by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting countries not to cut output in response to lower prices and higher supplies.
