BENGALURU, Aug 13 Reuters Oil prices steadied on Tuesday after rising for five consecutive sessions, as markets refocused on concerns about demand after OPEC on Monday cut its forecast for demand growth in 2024 due to softer expectations in China.

Benchmark Brent crude futures were down 30 cents, or 0.36, at 82.00 a barrel as of 0820 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was down 29 cents, or 0.36, at 79.77.

Brent on Monday gained more than 3 while U.S. crude futures rose more than 4 on expectations of a widening Middle Eastern conflict that could tighten global crude oil supplies.

The 2024 demand forecast cut from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries39; OPEC highlighted the dilemma faced by the wider OPEC group as it aims to raise output from October.

Any reflection of higher economic risks could weigh on oil prices, at a time when OPEC has cut their 2024 demand forecast and are set to roll back on their production cuts starting October, which may point to a less tight oil market ahead, said Yeap Jun Rong, market strategist at IG.

But he added investors remained watchful of the latest geopolitical tensions.

The Middle East conflict has escalated, with the U.S. preparing for what could be significant attacks by Iran or its proxies in the region as soon as this week, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said on Monday.

Any attack could tighten access to global crude supplies and boost prices. An assault could also lead the…