Oil prices slipped this evening, with traders blaming continuing worries about a clampdown on lending in China and its potential effect on the wider economy and energy demand.
US crude oil fell 29 cents to $74.97 a barrel, while in London, Brent crude fell 28 cents to $73.41.
Investors have looked to wider economic data over the past year for signs of economic recovery and a potential rebound in energy demand. The prospect of Asia-led future demand growth has been a factor in oil's price rise of more than 60% in the past year.
China was today reported to have implemented its planned increase in required reserves for some banks.
