Oil falls as trade war concerns increase worries about fuel demand
Brent crude futures fell 52 cents, or 0.75%, to $68.69 a barrel by 0325 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at $66.69 a barrel, down 51 cents, or 0.76%. Both benchmarks settled slightly lower on Monday.
The August WTI contract expires on Tuesday and the more active September contract was down 54 cents, or 0.82%, to $65.41 a barrel.
Supply concerns have largely been alleviated by major producers raising output and since a ceasefire on June 24 ended the conflict between Israel and Iran. However, investors are increasingly worried about the global economy amid U.S. trade policy changes.
A weaker U.S. dollar has provided some backing for crude as buyers using other currencies are paying relatively less.
The EU is exploring a broader set of possible counter-measures against the United States as prospects for an acceptable trade agreement with Washington fade, according to EU diplomats. The U.S. has threatened to impose a 30% tariff on EU imports on August 1 if a deal is not reached.
There are also signs that rising oil supply has entered the market as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies unwind output cuts.
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