TOKYO/SINGAPORE: Oil prices eased on Thursday as concerns over weak demand in China, the world’s largest crude importer, and expectations of a nearing ceasefire deal in the Middle East overcame gains in the previous session after draws in US inventories. Brent crude futures for September fell 59 cents, or 0.7 percent, to $81.12 a barrel by 8:30 a.m. Saudi time. US West Texas Intermediate crude for September slid 61 cents, or 0.8 percent, to $76.98 per barrel.