This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/business/7845777.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Oil prices fall near $41 a barrel Oil prices fall near $41 a barrel
(about 4 hours later)
Global crude prices have fallen by more than $2 a barrel after official US figures showed a surprise rise in the country's oil and petrol stocks. Global crude prices fell by more than $2 a barrel after official US figures showed a surprise rise in the country's oil and petrol stocks.
US light crude was down $2.14 to $41.41 a barrel on Thursday, while London Brent lost 77 cents to $44.25. US light crude was down $2.14 to $41.41 a barrel, before recovering to $43.21 in late trading on Thursday.
London Brent lost 77 cents to $44.25 before bouncing slightly to $44.46.
The falls came after data showed that US oil supplies rose by 6.1 million barrels last week, while its petrol stocks added 6.5 million barrels.The falls came after data showed that US oil supplies rose by 6.1 million barrels last week, while its petrol stocks added 6.5 million barrels.
Oil prices were as low as $35 a barrel last week. They hit $147 last July.Oil prices were as low as $35 a barrel last week. They hit $147 last July.
Global prices have fallen sharply since last summer as demand has weakened as a result of the economic slowdown.Global prices have fallen sharply since last summer as demand has weakened as a result of the economic slowdown.
Oil producers cartel Opec announced a record cut in production in December to try to shore up prices, but it appears to have had little success so far.Oil producers cartel Opec announced a record cut in production in December to try to shore up prices, but it appears to have had little success so far.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that global oil demand will fall in 2009 for the second year in succession, the first consecutive annual decline in 26 years.The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that global oil demand will fall in 2009 for the second year in succession, the first consecutive annual decline in 26 years.
Based in Paris, the IEA represents the main oil consuming nations.Based in Paris, the IEA represents the main oil consuming nations.