Crude oil prices fell slightly on Thursday after US Federal Reserve data forecast a slow economic rebound.
International benchmark Brent crude was trading at $44.24 per barrel at 0608 GMT for a 3.9% decrease after closing Wednesday at $46.05 a barrel.
American benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was at $41.43 a barrel at the same time for a 0.19% decrease after ending the previous session at $41.51 per barrel.
Crude oil prices were mostly affected by negative highlights in the US Federal Reserve's report.
In its Beige Book, the Fed highlighted uncertainty over the coming school year in jobless benefits and slowing job growth in some districts.
The Fed also said although economic activity increased in most districts, gains were generally modest while activity remained well below pre-crisis levels.
However, the sharp fall in US commercial crude oil inventories indicates increasing oil demand to support prices.
According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), commercial crude oil inventories in the US fell by 4.7 million barrels, or 0.9%, to 507.8 million barrels for the week ending August 21, compared to the market expectation of a decrease of 3.7 million barrels.
By Sibel Morrow
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr