Crude oil futures ended lower on Friday weighed down persisting concerns about the outlook for oil demand. Data showing a much less than expected increase in private sector as well as non-farm payroll growth in the U.S. and the possibility of increased oil supply from Libya weighed on oil prices. The Labor Department said non-farm payroll employment climbed by 142,000 jobs in August compared to economist estimates for an increase of 160,000 jobs.
Benchmark crude oil futures for October delivery fell $1.48 or 2.1 percent to settle at $67.67 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude for November delivery dropped $1.63 or 2.2 percent to settle at $71.06 a barrel on London's Intercontinental Exchange.