The price of Brent crude was down at trading start Monday as China's weak macroeconomic data revealed that crude demand of the world's second largest oil consumer could remain low for the remainder of the year.
International benchmark Brent crude was trading at $61.58 per barrel at 0610 GMT for a 0.3% loss after closing Friday at $62.02 a barrel.
American benchmark West Texas Intermediate remained almost unchanged at $56.63 a barrel, after ending Friday at $56.66 per barrel.
Chinese industrial profits fell for the second straight month in September, according to the country's National Bureau of Statistics on Sunday.
The world's second largest economy saw its industrial profit decline by 3.3% last month, compared to the same period a year ago.
The weak data exposed a potential slow down in China's economic growth, leading to lower oil demand, and in turn a downward pressure on crude prices.
By Ovunc Kutlu
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr