Crude oil futures fell Rs 113 to Rs 3,039 per barrel today as speculators trimmed positions amid a weak trend in Asian trade after a sharp slowdown in Chinese industrial production.
On the Multi Commodity Exchange, crude oil for delivery in April traded lower by Rs 113 or 3.59 per cent at Rs 3,039 per barrel in 4,085 lots.
Similarly, the oil for May delivery moved down by Rs 109 or 3.33 per cent to Rs 3,163 per barrel in 293 lots.
Trading sentiment eased at the futures trade after crude oil prices eased in Asian trade today but analysts said losses were tempered by supply concerns in the crude-rich West Asia after Saudi-led warplanes struck rebel targets in Yemen.
Meanwhile, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for May delivery eased 71 cents to $48.16, while Brent crude for May fell 33 cents to $56.06 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange in late-morning trade.