Doha: Oil prices fell more than 2 percent at the close of trading Thursday. Brent crude futures fell USD 1.55, or 2.21 percent, to settle at USD 68.64 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures also fell USD 1.81, or 2.65 percent, to settle at USD 66.57 a barrel.

According to Qatar News Agency, the decline in oil prices comes as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), in a report Thursday, forecasts continued growth in oil consumption until 2050, driven by population and economic growth in developing countries.