Oil down in Asia, hurt by Chinese factory slump

[SINGAPORE] Oil prices fell further in Asia on Monday, hurt by a slump in the manufacturing sector in China, the world's top energy consuming nation.

A strong dollar and signs of increasing US oil production added pressure on oil prices, which have already been depressed by a global crude oversupply, analysts said.

US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for September delivery fell 16 cents to US$47.98 and Brent crude for September tumbled nine cents to US$54.53 in late-morning trade.

"The strengthening of the US dollar, weak manufacturing data from China and rise in the US rig count added to the woes of a weak crude market," said Sanjeev Gupta, who heads the Asia Pacific oil and gas practice at professional services organisation EY.

An independent survey on Friday showed a key gauge of Chinese manufacturing activity tumbled to a 15-month low in July, throwing a pall over growth in the world's second-largest economy.

Caixin's Purchasing Manager's Index (PMI), which tracks activity in factories and workshops, is seen as a key barometer of the country's economic health. A figure above 50 signals growth, while anything below indicates contraction.

In a sign of drillers ramping up production, US producers added 21 oil rigs last week, according to oil services firm Baker Hughes.

Also adding to downward pressure on prices is expectations the US Federal Reserve will start raising interest rates before the end of the year, making strengthening the greenback and making oil, which is priced in dollars, more expansive to holders of weaker currencies.

AFP