MCX Crude oil futures are expected to open in red after rallying for the last four sessions as global prices come under a spell of profit selling ahead of the weekly US inventories data. In Asia, crude oil dropped for the first time in three days as the dollar climbed and rising supplies of crude and crude products took their toll. Yesterday, an industry report showed an increase in fuel supplies in the U.S., the world's biggest energy consumer. U.S. crude oil inventories slipped 63,000 barrels in the week to Feb. 12, according to yesterday's API data. The commodity slipped under $77 per barrel on GLOBEX as the markets awaited for clarity on whether the prices would extend their slide after breaking under $77 in the electronic trades some time back. The US Energy Department's Weekly Petroleum Status Report will be released at 11 a.m. in Washington, a day later than usual because of the Presidents Day holiday Feb. 15. Light, sweet crude oil futures for March traded as low as $ 76.87 per barrel and currently trade at $76.89 per barrel, down 44 cents from the previous close. MCX Crude oil futures for March delivery are ended at Rs 3586 per barrel yesterday, adding Rs 15 from the previous close and are likely to open around Rs 3568-70 per barrel in the today's session. The counter may be headed lower and levels of Rs 3550 may be eyed in the intraday moves.

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