Crude oil prices slid below USD 79/barrel for the fourth consecutive session due to weaker-than-expected business activity in major economies. On the supply side, Iran aims to produce 3.4 mln bpd by the end of September despite US sanctions, and the US is considering easing sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector. US crude inventories also surprised markets by falling 6.1 mln barrels last week, more than double the forecasted drop.