Crude oil prices were down at Monday's opening with rising coronavirus cases in China and the U.S. -- the world's two largest oil consumers.
International benchmark Brent crude was trading at $58.52 per barrel at 0650 GMT for a 3.57% loss after closing Friday at $60.69 a barrel.
American benchmark West Texas Intermediate was at $52.94 a barrel at the same time for a 2.3% decline after ending Friday at $54.19 per barrel.
The death toll in China from the coronavirus outbreak has climbed to 80, the country's health department said Monday, adding that there were 2,744 confirmed cases including 461 in critical condition.
The U.S.' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed Sunday there are three new cases of coronavirus, two people in California and one in Arizona.
The first two U.S. cases were confirmed last week -- one in Seattle, Washington and the other in Chicago, Illinois.
The rise in the number of coronavirus cases in the world's two largest oil consuming countries increases the possibility of a fall in global oil demand while creating a downward pressure on oil prices.
By Ovunc Kutlu
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr