Oil prices steady, U.S. consumer price data in focus

SINGAPORE: Oil prices were little changed on Tuesday after rising in the previous session helped by expectations of increased fuel demand this summer, but investors were cautious ahead of U.S. consumer price data.

Brent futures for August settlement eased 5 cents to $85.96 a barrel as of 0640 GMT after gaining 0.9% on Monday, while U.S. crude futures were down 3 cents at $81.60 a barrel after climbing 1.1% a day earlier.