<Global crude oil prices drop on weak demand
需求减少致全球原油价格下跌

The global crude oil prices have been dropping since June due to weak demand from Asia and Europe. The benchmark U.S. crude fell nearly three U.S. dollars, or 4 percent, to close at 74.21 U.S. dollars on Thursday.

In total, the oil price has declined in the past five months more than 30 percent to reach its lowest level since September 2010. For oil companies, the low prices are eating their revenues and profits. But on the other hand, analysts say the low prices could benefit economies like the U.S. because both companies and individual consumers are paying less for fuel.

The U.S. Energy Department said recently that low fuel prices are expected to last into next year, and predicted the average price for the year will be $2.94 a gallon, which is about 13 percent lower than previous expectations.