Oil prices fell as the US dollar increased against other major currencies. Oil, priced in US dollars, tends to drop as the US dollar rises and makes crude barrels tougher to buy for investors holding foreign money. Benchmark crude for April delivery fell 66 cents to settle at $US80.21 on the Nymex as the US Dollar Index gained 0.83 per cent. In London, Brent crude gave up 48 cents to $US78.77 a barrel on the ICE futures exchange. Gold for April delivery lost $US10.20 to settle at $US1,133.10 an ounce. Silver for May delivery dropped 15.3 cents to $US17.176 an ounce. May copper lost 5.95 cents to $US3.3755 per pound.

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