Oil under pressure

Oil eased in Asian trade Tuesday as traders continued to evaluate the pace of recovery in the US economy, the world's biggest energy user, analysts said.

New York's main contract, light sweet crude for November delivery dropped five cents to 70.36 dollars a barrel. Brent North Sea crude for November delivery fell nine cents to 67.95 dollars a barrel.

Market players continued to digest economic data from the US that could help indicate demand prospects.

New data released Monday by the Institute of Supply Management showed the US services sector grew in September for the first time in a year with its non-manufacturing index rising to 50.9 percent from 48.4 percent in August.

Any number above 50 percent indicates growth.

Phil Flynn, an analyst with PFG Best, cautioned that oil prices could remain under pressure. "Job losses are mounting and oil supplies are rising. It is time to face facts. Recent economic data is undermining the bull's oil case," he said.