Oil steadies as recession fears balance tight supply

LONDON, July 4 (Reuters): Oil was little changed on Monday as fears of a global recession that would hit demand were balanced by concerns of tight supply amid lower OPEC output, unrest in Libya and sanctions on Russia.

Figures on Friday showed euro zone inflation hit yet another record high in June, firming the case for rapid European Central Bank rate hikes starting this month.

Brent crude rose 15 cents, or 0.1 per cent, to $111.78 a barrel at 1048 GMT, after falling over $1 in early trade. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slipped 33 cents, or 0.3 per cent, to $108.10.

"The risk is tilted to the downside as traders are concerned about slowing oil demand due to a strong possibility of an economic recession taking place in the US and in other parts of the world," said Naeem Aslam of Avatrade.

Brent came close this year to an all-time high of $147 a barrel reached in 2008 as Russia's invasion of Ukraine added to supply concerns. Despite concern of a recession, tight supply is limiting losses.