NEW YOKR - US Crude price fell on Friday on less-than-expected GDP growth in China and returns of European debt concerns.

The market was heavily weighed by China's economic slowdown. The latest data showed that China's gross domestic product grew 8. 1 percent in the first quarter, the weakest pace in nearly three years and lower than market's expectation. Investors restarted talks about the world's second largest economy's hard landing, which loomed over the oil demand outlook.

Meanwhile, worries about the European debt problems returned to markets. Spain's government benchmark bond yield rose against and breached 6 percent after data showed borrowing by Spanish banks from the European Central Bank in March hit its highest level ever. Besides, Italy's industrial output fell unexpectedly in February, causing fears of its economic health.

To add to the pressure, the euro pulled back and dipped more than 0.8 percent against the dollar. The dollar index, which tracks the greenback's performance against a basket of currencies, jumped nearly 0.8 percent.

Light, sweet crude for May delivery dropped 81 cents, or 0.78 percent to settle at $102.83 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. For this week, it edged down 48 cents, or 0. 46 percent.

But in London, Brent crude for May delivery rose moderately and last traded around $122 a barrel.