Oil prices slumped in volatile trading today, as more disappointing US economic data heightened concerns over weak global energy demand.
Prices were also hit by a stronger dollar, which makes crude more expensive for holders of other currencies, dampening demand, traders said.
Brent North Sea crude for delivery in July slid $2.10 to $108.75 in late London deals after rising above $111 early in the day.
New York's main contract, light sweet crude for June, dropped $1.72 to $95.65 a barrel.
Despite the downturn, prices remain at historically-high levels.
Official data published today showed home construction in the United States plunged in April, underscoring the depth of the years-old housing crisis.
The United States is the world's biggest consumer of oil.
Housing starts tumbled 10.6% from March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 523,000, the US Commerce Department announced.
The number widely missed the average analyst estimate of 563,000.
