The significant increase in US crude oil and gasoline inventories indicated weakening demand. Concerns over a new US-China trade war have intensified market worries about slow economic growth. International crude oil prices fell on February 5.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for March delivery decreased by US$1.67 (2.3%), reaching US$71.03/barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude for April delivery fell by US$1.59 (2.09%), settling at US$74.61/barrel.