Oil prices fell below $82 a barrel on Thursday in Asia as traders eyed tepid U.S. crude demand amid an overall economic expansion.

Oil prices hovered above $81 a barrel on Wednesday in Asia after a report showed mixed evidence about U.S. crude demand.

Oil prices dropped to near $81 a barrel on Tuesday in Asia, losing momentum after a monthlong run-up fueled by growing investor optimism about global economic growth.

Oil prices rose to near $82 a barrel on Monday in Asia, extending gains from Friday, amid signs the global economy may be improving.

Oil prices hovered below $81 a barrel after a two-day jump fueled by growing investor optimism that global crude demand is recovering.

Oil prices hovered below $80 a barrel on Wednesday in Asia after a crude inventory report gave mixed signs about U.S. demand.

Benchmark crude for April delivery was down 2 cents to $78.68 a barrel at midday Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Benchmark crude for April delivery was up 34 cents to $79.20 a barrel at midday Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Benchmark crude for April delivery was down 34 cents to $79.97 a barrel at midday Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Benchmark crude for March delivery was up 45 cents to $80.26 a barrel at midday Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Benchmark crude for March delivery was down 1 cent at $74.12 a barrel at late afternoon Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Benchmark crude for March delivery was down 41 cents at $74.87 a barrel at midday Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Benchmark crude for March delivery was down 53 cents at $73.22 a barrel at midday Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Benchmark crude for March delivery was down 16 cents at $71.73 a barrel at midday Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Benchmark crude for March delivery was up 56 cents at $71.75 a barrel at midday Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Natural gas prices slid on Friday for the fourth straight day, as a fresh stack of economic data provided little evidence that the US will increase its appetite for oil and gas anytime soon.

Oil prices stayed below $75 a barrel in Asia on Monday, dampened by falls in regional stock markets and on Wall Street over President Barack Obama's plans to restrict big banks.

Benchmark crude for March delivery shed 21 cents to $75.87 a barrel at midday Kuala Lumpur time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Benchmark crude for March delivery added 16 cents to $77.90 a barrel at midday Kuala Lumpur time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Benchmark crude for February delivery fell 68 cents to $78.64 a barrel at early afternoon Kuala Lumpur time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Benchmark crude for February delivery was up 35 cents to $78.35 a barrel in electronic trading at early afternoon Kuala Lumpur time on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Benchmark crude for February delivery fell was down 25 cents to $77.75 a barrel at early afternoon Kuala Lumpur time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Benchmark crude for February delivery was down 44 cents to $78.95 a barrel at midday Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Benchmark crude for February delivery was down 89 cents to $79.90 a barrel at midday Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Benchmark crude for February delivery was down 61 cents to $81.92 a barrel at midday Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.