Biz-Econ

Oil prices extend losses ahead of US report

Oil prices fell in Asian trade on Tuesday as persistent concerns about a global oversupply and caution ahead of a US stockpiles report chipped away at recent gains. The commodity has seen healthy rises this month, after hitting near 13-year lows in February, thanks to a falling dollar and hopes that key producers will agree to output limits at an upcoming meeting in Doha. With most global markets closed on Friday and Monday for Easter, trade has been limited but investors are now focusing on the weekly US Department of Energy report inventories to gauge demand in the world`s top oil consumer. Brent crude for May was 35 cents lower at $39.92 a barrel, while US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for May delivery was down 28 cents at $39.11. Both contracts ended lower yesterday.