Oil falls as US reports surprise fuel build

Brent crude futures fell by US$1.74, or 2.1% to settle at US$81.86 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell by US$1.32, or 1.7%, to US$77.91 a barrel.

NEW YORK: Oil prices fell for the second consecutive session on Thursday, after the US government reported weak fuel demand in the country and a surprise jump in gasoline and distillate fuel stockpiles.

Brent crude futures fell by US$1.74, or 2.1% to settle at US$81.86 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell by US$1.32, or 1.7%, to US$77.91 a barrel.