World oil prices fell sharply this evening, hit by energy demand concerns, weak US economic data and a strengthening US dollar.
US crude slid $1.43 to $84.08 a barrel, while Brent North Sea crude was down $1.06 at $86.53.
Official data yesterday showed that new US claims for unemployment insurance benefits unexpectedly rose last week. The euro, meanwhile, extended recent losses against the dollar on intensifying worries over Greece's debt problems.
Crude prices tend to fall as the dollar rises, as a strengthening US currency makes the dollar-priced commodity more expensive for buyers using weaker currencies, denting demand.
