Crude futures settled lower Dec. 21 as the spread of a new COVID-19 strain in the UK prompted more lockdowns, pressuring demand outlooks. Not registered? Receive daily email alerts, subscriber notes & personalize your experience. Register Now NYMEX January WTI settled $1.27 lower at $47.97/b and ICE February Brent finished down $1.35/b at $50.91/b, a slide of 2.3% and 2.5%, respectively, from Dec. 18. The UK has introduced tougher restrictions in a bid to control the spread of the new strain called B.1.1.7. that is up to 70% more transmissible. The new, faster spreading, virus has raised concerns that tighter restrictions will impact the oil demand recovery not just in the UK, but other European countries too, sources said. Denmark and the Netherlands have also reported […]