Oil prices ended the week at the lowest level in nearly two months, weighed down by a stronger dollar and persistent doubts about the health of the global economy. Crude prices have now dropped more than 14 percent since cresting at a 15-month high of $83.18 a barrel on Jan. 6.
Energy prices were propped up earlier in the year by predictions that China, India and other developing nations would aggressively boost petroleum imports to feed their growing economies. But China has since taken steps to control risky bank lending and to cool off its economy.
Oil prices rose even after report that US supplies of the fuel declined by one million barrels last week, increasing optimism that energy demand will recover soon. The government reported that the nation is consuming less than it has in years and that inventories are the highest in nearly two decades. Benchmark crude for June delivery gained $1.05 to settle at $50.97 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.