US crude heads for a decline as Brent slightly rises

US crude prices fell during today's trading, erasing previous gains, while Brent maintained slight gains, amid pressure from the dollar and before the release of data on exploration activities in the United States.

The dollar index (against a number of major currencies) rose by 0.4% to 97.3 points by 15:50 GMT, reaching a day high of 97.4 points and a low of 96.9 points.

Baker Hughes will unveil drilling activities for crude and natural gas in the United States today, and the data is being released today instead of tomorrow due to the Good Friday holiday.

China's economic data released yesterday eased market concerns  about the world's second-largest economy slowdown in 2019 as retail sales rose and the economy grew 6.3 percent in the first quarter.

In terms of trade, West Texas fell by 0.2% to $63.6 a barrel by 15:48 GMT, recording a high of $64.1 and a low of $63.6.

Brent rose 0.1% to $ 71.7 a barrel, the day's high of $ 72.04 and the lowest price of $ 71.2.