Oil trades in different directions: investors assess demand in China and the outlook for the US economy

Oil prices rose in Asian deals on Tuesday amid hopes for a recovery in Chinese fuel demand, although fears of a slowdown in the US economy capped gains.

Brent crude fell 7 cents to $88.12 a barrel by 0715 GMT after rising to a session high of $88.36.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 5 cents to $81.67 after rising to $81.88 earlier in the session.

Oil prices in the physical markets started the year on a rally as China, no longer contained by pandemic measures, shows signs of increased purchases and traders worry that sanctions against Russia could cut supplies.