Oil Prices Slide as Inflation Concerns Weigh on Demand

U.S. crude oil prices fell nearly 4% as concerns over inflation impacting demand grew among traders, who worry that the Federal Reserve may not ease up on interest rates. The latest inflation data showed a slight increase in the consumer price index, raising concerns that the Fed may need to maintain higher interest rates. The oil market's confidence has been shattered after a seven-week streak of losses, with oversupply concerns due to record production in the U.S., Canada, and Brazil, coupled with a weakening economy in China. Despite promises from OPEC members and allies to cut supply, traders remain skeptical, and the market faces a choice between further supply cuts or releasing oil to lower prices and undercut production outside the group.