Crude oil traded lower at the start of the week weighed down by a worrisome global demand outlook after data from China showed.
In the Asian session, US WTI crude oil futures traded lower at $97 a barrel while Brent traded slightly lower at $102 a barrel.
Official Chinese data released over the weekend showed factory activity in the world's biggest oil importer contracted in July.
This follows the Covid-19 restriction measures implemented in certain areas causing economic activities to be closed.
In addition, investors were also shown manufacturing data in Japan which grew at the weakest rate in 10 months in July. Japan is also one of the world's largest consumers of crude oil.
Last week's data also showed the US economy contracted for a second straight quarter with rising inflation and further monetary tightening expected to keep pressure on growth.
The market is now looking ahead to the OPEC+ meeting on Wednesday which is expected to stick with the stance of maintaining current production amid supply constraints.
