US crude extends losses post settle, down over $3

NEW YORK, Aug 31 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil futures extended losses in post-settlement trading on Tuesday, ahead of weekly inventory reports that are forecast to show domestic crude stocks rose last week.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, crude for October delivery <CLV0> extended the day's low to $71.53 a barrel, down $3.17, or 4.42 percent, from the Monday close. By 2:55 p.m. EDT (1855 GMT) it was trading at $71.74, down $2.96, or 3.96 percent. Earlier in the day it hit a session high $74.73.

October crude earlier settled down $2.78, or 3.72 percent, at $71.92. (Reporting by Gene Ramos, editing by Dale Hudson)