According to the report, international crude oil prices fell on February 2 after the latest data from the US Commerce Department showed factory orders for US industrial equipment and other machinery fell. During the same time, a stronger dollar made crude oil more expensive for buyers outside the US.

West Texas Intermediate crude for March delivery decreased by US$0.53 to US$75.88/barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Brent crude for April delivery was down by US$0.67, settling at US$82.17/barrel.