Oil prices were lower today in a choppy session on lackluster Chinese demand and a strong US dollar. Although they were higher this month than last, China’s September imports were 2% lower than this time last year at 9.79MM/bbls. “The recent recovery in oil imports faltered in September,” ANZ analysts said in a note, adding that independent refiners failed to utilize increased quotas as ongoing COVID-related lockdowns weighed on demand. Meanwhile, the dollar was stronger again, up on another Forex intervention from Japan. Data also showed that US business activity contracted for a fourth straight month in October. WTI traded down $0.47 or -0.6% to close at $84.58. Brent traded down $0.24 or -0.03% to close at $93.26.