West Texas Intermediate fell for a second day as U.S. lawmakers negotiate an accord to end a partial government shutdown and increase debt limit, raising concern a potential default may slow growth and sap fuel demand.

Futures slid as much as 0.9 percent in New York after ending with a loss for the fourth time in five weeks Oct. 11. Senate leaders wrapped up almost four hours of debate without resolution as the government’s borrowing authority is due to lapse in three days. Net crude imports from China, the world’s second-biggest oil consumer, rose to record 25.61 million metric tons last month, customs data released on Oct. 12 show.

WTI for November delivery fell as much as 91 cents to $101.11 and was at $101.52 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange as of 1:18 p.m. in London. The contract slipped 1 percent to $102.02 on Oct. 11, ending down 1.8 percent for the week. The volume of all futures traded was about 5.2 percent above the 100-day average.

Brent for November settlement was $1.02 lower at $110.26 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. The European benchmark crude was at a premium of $8.79 to WTI, narrowing for the first time in six sessions.

Gold rises in price , while the U.S. dollar fell against most other currencies as U.S. lawmakers apparently did not come close to reaching an agreement on the debt ceiling , despite the approaching deadline .

The talks between President Barack Obama and Republicans aimed at the resolution of the budget impasse at the weekend failed, despite signs of a possible compromise. Then the talks moved to the Senate , where party leaders are trying to work out an agreement on spending and tax reforms and pass a bill that could be quickly approved by both chambers .

Pausing the government has been going on day 14 . Meanwhile approaching Oct. 17 , the deadline for raising the U.S. debt limit , as investors sell the dollar , referring to so-called safe-haven currencies such as the Japanese yen and the Swiss franc.

Most investors still believe that lawmakers will reach an agreement on the budget and prevent a U.S. default on the debt. However, some market observers believe that the talks in Washington will have a lasting impact on the dollar, even if a solution is found .

Stocks of the world's largest exchange-traded fund backed by gold (ETF) SPDR Gold Trust, best reflect the mood of investors , on Friday declined by 5.4 tons to 890.98 tons.

The cost of the December gold futures on COMEX today rose to $ 1291.60 per ounce.