World oil prices eased on Friday afternoon but remained in sight of recent record highs amid persistent concerns over global supplies.
The price of Brent North Sea crude dipped seven cents to $80.08 a barrel. US crude dropped 14 cents to $82.94.
Prices had spiked closed to record levels on Thursday after the US Department of Energy said American crude reserves slumped by 1.7 million barrels in the week to October 5. Market expectations had been for a one million barrel gain.
On Thursday, New York crude touched $83.67, approaching last month's all-time high of $84.10. Brent also soared as high as $80.68, near its record $81.05 also set in September.
