Crude oil down on weak Asian cues

Crude oil futures prices today fell by 0.60% to Rs 5,151 per barrel as speculators trimmed positions amid a weakening trend in the Asian trade.

Asian trade was slim after weaker-than-expected Chinese economic growth data released today kept marksmen away from taking new positions.

At the MCX, crude oil for delivery in May shed Rs 31, or 0.60%, to Rs 5,151 per barrel, with an open interest of 6,371 lots.

The june contract moved down by Rs 30, or 0.57%, to Rs 5,196 per barrel, with an open interest of 738 lots.

Meanwhile, crude oil shed 94 cents to $96.14 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.