Crude prices dropped on Friday as the U.S. dollar strengthened due to Europe's debt problems, Xinhua reported.
After Ireland officially requested a bailout, investors turned their focus to other debt-burdened European countries. Worries were growing that Portugal and Spain will also need financial aid.
On Friday, the dollar rose against the euro and the British pound, driving down oil futures..
Light, sweet crude for January delivery was down 10 cents to 83. 76 U.S. dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.