Oil prices down in Asian trade

Singapore - Oil prices fell in Asia on Thursday but losses were curtailed as dealers focused on positive elements of a mixed US energy stockpiles report, analysts said.

West Texas Intermediate for April eased 36 cents to $50.63 while Brent crude for April tumbled 30c to $61.33 in late-morning trade.

The US government's Department of Energy (DoE) said on Wednesday that crude inventories rose 8.4 million barrels in the week ending February 20 to a record 434.1 million barrels, more than double the increase expected.