Oil prices down in Asian trade SINGAPORE: Oil prices were lower in Asian trade Thursday on profit-taking after an overnight rally, boosted by a report showing stronger US energy demand, analysts said. New York's main futures contract, light sweet crude for delivery in January, fell 40 cents to 72.25 dollars a barrel in morning trade. It rose 1.69 dollars at the close of US trade overnight. Brent North Sea crude for delivery in February eased 11 cents to 74.18 dollars.