2017.08.1021:43:00UTC+00Crude Prices Flat as Oversupply Worries Persist

Oil prices were almost unchanged in early Friday Asian trading after pulling back in the prior session, pressured by the ongoing global oversupply concerns despite the bigger-than-anticipated drawdown in U.S. crude stockpiles.

Brent crude futures rose by 1 cent and traded at $51.91 per barrel. Meanwhile, the U.S. WTI crude traded up 3 cents or 0.1 percent at $48.62 per barrel.

Oil prices hit a two-and-a-month high during the previous session, but ended down around 1.5 percent, with the U.S. benchmark falling back below the $50-per-barrel mark due to persistent global glut worries.

ANZ bank said crude prices failed to maintain its recent gains, as the anxious market began to question the recent decline in stockpiles. The supply fundamentals also affected prices, with data indicating Libyan production in July reaching its highest level for the year.

Official government data showed crude stockpiles in the U.S. steeply declined by 6.5 million barrels in the latest week, as refiners bolstered processing due to solid demand.

But there are persisting worries whether enough crude will be used to end a global oversupply after OPEC posted another increase in the producer cartel's production, despite lifting its outlook for demand in 2018.