Crude oil prices have fallen to their lowest level in three months, on concerns that the U.S. economy may be entering a recession which will lessen the demand for energy.
Prices for March delivery fell $2.22, or 2.5 percent, settling at $86.99 a barrel at the end of Wednesday's trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
Overall, oil prices have dropped about 13 percent since hitting a record high over $100 a barrel on January 9.
Investors will get a look at U.S. oil and gasoline supply levels Thursday, when the U.S. Energy Department releases its weekly inventory report.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.