Oil prices dip near US$99 a barrel

Oil prices are down on concerns that the United States (US) economy could slow and investors' worries eased about supply disruptions in the Persian Gulf.

Benchmark crude fell by 34 cents to US$99.22 per barrel in New York on Monday. Brent crude, which is used to price foreign oils that are imported by US refineries, lost 28 cents at US$111.18 per barrel in London.

The Commerce Department said Americans kept a tighter grip on their wallets in December. Consumer spending was flat, even though incomes rose by the most in nine months. The economy relies heavily on consumer spending, and analysts say the economic recovery could stall and energy demand may stay weak if spending doesn't pick up.

Meanwhile, Iran welcomed international weapons experts into the country in hopes of refuting claims that it is building a nuclear weapon. That eased concerns about possible military action in the region. Still, Europe plans to embargo Iranian oil this summer to pressure Iran about its nuclear programme. If that happens, Iran says it could retaliate by blocking passage through the Persian Gulf, where tankers carry one-sixth of the world's oil exports.

The US is ready to implement sanctions on Iran's central bank that will make it harder for Iran to sell oil.

Gasoline pump prices rose by a penny on Monday to US$3.43 per gallon, according to AAA, Wright Express, and Oil Price Information Service. A gallon of regular is 15.3 cents higher than it was a month ago and 33 cents higher than it was last year.

- AP