By Arathy Somasekhar

Aug 13 (Reuters) - Oil prices edged lower on Tuesday,

breaking a five-day streak of gains, 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.

Global benchmark Brent crude futures dipped 41

cents, or 0.5%, lower to $81.89 a barrel at 0005 GMT. U.S. West

Texas Intermediate crude futures fell to $79.63 a barrel,

down 43 cents, or 0.5%.

Brent had gained more than 3% on Monday, while U.S. crude

futures had risen more than 4%.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries'

(OPEC) global demand forecast reduction for 2024 highlighted the

dilemma faced by the wider OPEC+ group in raising production

from October.

The cut to OPEC's 2024 forecast was the first since it was

made in July 2023, and comes after mounting signs that demand in

China has lagged expectations due to slumping diesel consumption

and as a crisis in the property sector hampers the world's

second-largest economy.

In the meantime, 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 United States to

place embargoes on Iranian crude exports, potentially affecting

1.5 million barrels per day of supply, analysts said.

Markets are also preparing for Wednesday's U.S. consumer

price index report that will give a crucial read on inflation,

with investors now worried that an overly depressed CPI number

will fan fears of a downturn.

Money markets have even bets on a 25- or 50-basis-point cut

in U.S. interest rates in September, expecting a total easing of

100 bps by the end 2024, CME's FedWatch Tool showed.

Rate cuts tend to raise economic activity, which increases

the use of energy sources such as oil.

The U.S. dollar edged marginally higher on Tuesday,

after two days of losses. A stronger greenback helps demand as

oil becomes more expensive for foreign buyers.