Oil prices edge down with US inflation data in focus

JAKARTA (Reuters): Brent crude fell on Tuesday while investors awaited US inflation data later this week, but prices held above the US$85 level after the previous session's gains on escalating geopolitical tensions and hopes of improved demand this summer.

Brent futures for August settlement were down 43 cents at $85.58 a barrel by 1100 GMT. U.S. crude futures also dipped by 43 cents to $81.20.