Oil tumbles as much as 10%, breaks below $100 as recession fears mount. Oil prices tumbled Tuesday with the U.S. benchmark falling below $100 as recession fears grow, sparking fears that an economic slowdown will cut demand for petroleum products. West Texas Intermediate crude, the U.S. oil benchmark, settled 8.24% lower at $99.50 per barrel. At one point WTI slid more than 10%, trading as low as $97.43 per barrel. The contract last traded under $100 on May 11. International benchmark Brent crude settled 9.45% hilower at $102.77 per barrel. High commodity prices have been a major contributor to surging inflation, which is at the highest in 40 years.