U.S. crude oil futures closed sharply down by 7.5%. Specifically, WTI crude oil futures for September delivery dropped $6.70, a decline of 7.50%—marking the second consecutive day of retreat—to settle at $82.61 per barrel. In the Middle East, Abu Dhabi Murban crude oil futures fell even further by 12.57%, also declining for a second straight day, closing at $84.85 per barrel. In addition, NYMEX natural gas futures for August delivery closed at $2.7670 per million British thermal units; NYMEX ga

U.S. crude oil futures closed sharply lower, down 7.5%. Specifically, WTI crude oil futures for September delivery dropped by $6.70, a decline of 7.50%, marking the second consecutive trading day of decline, finally closing at $82.61 per barrel. In the Middle East, Abu Dhabi Murban crude oil futures fell even further, dropping 12.57% and also registering a two-day decline, closing at $84.85 per barrel. In addition, NYMEX natural gas futures for August delivery closed at $2.7670 per million British thermal units; NYMEX gasoline futures for August closed at $3.3273 per gallon; NYMEX heating oil futures for August ultimately settled at $4.1116 per gallon. This widespread decline in energy futures products also reflects increased volatility in the international energy market recently.