SHANGHAI, March 18(Xinhua) - Crude oil futures were lower Monday in early trading on the Shanghai International Energy Exchange.

(File photo: VCG)

The most active crude oil contract for April delivery dipped 2.1 yuan (0.31 US dollars) to open at 450.1 yuan a barrel.

China launched the crude oil futures trading in March 2018. It was the first futures variety on the Chinese mainland open to overseas investment.