Oil prices slipped this evening as concerns about Greece's deteriorating financial situation curbed the appetite for risker investments across global markets.
The euro dropped to near one-year lows against the US dollar. A stronger dollar usually makes oil more expensive for holders of other currencies, affecting demand.
US crude dropped almost $2 per barrel to a low of $81.73 before recovering to trade at $83.10, down 58 cents. London Brent was down 45 cents at $85.25 a barrel.
US crude oil inventories rose unexpectedly last week, the US Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday, a signal of weaker US demand.
European oil industry data added to the picture with figures from industry monitor Euroilstock showing oil refinery output in 16 European countries fell by 10.1% in March from the same month last year.
