Crude traded below $81 per barrel today as traders' eye the rising tension in the Korean Peninsula where stock markets plunge and have demand sends the dollar higher weighing on oil demand, alongside anticipated US inventories report to be released later today. Crude today hovers around $81 per barrel recording its highest around $82.07 and lowest around $80.88, while it currently is trading around $81.57 per barrel. The US Energy Department recorded a drop of 2 MB in inventories by 0.6% in November 19 as we anticipate the release of the API report later on today, alongside the EIA that is also expected tomorrow. Commodities fell today due to fears regarding Ireland's debt crisis and whether its financial woes will spread throughout other European countries. Meanwhile, the dollar's gained strength as jitters intensified after North Korea and South Korea exchanged artillery fire. Crude yesterday traded around $81 per barrel recording its highest around $82.84 and lowest around $80.68 per barrel, closing around $81.55 per barrel. Oil plunged as the greenback gained strength against other currencies largely due to woes regarding Ireland's recent bank financial crisis may spread throughout the rest of Europe. Moreover, Chinese oil demand is also expected to record highs by the end of this year, despite of attempts to control inflation rates; whereas demand throughout developed countries is rising and thus could boost prices throughout the world. As for NYMEX as of 04:28 EST; motor gasoline shed 1.06% recording $212.900 per gallon; heating is trading around $226.680 per gallon losing $0.08; whereas natural gasoline also dropped $0.68 to record $4.242. In London, Brent futures declined $0.15 to record $83.830.

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