China shares flat in morning trade

SHANGHAI: Chinese shares were flat in early trade Tuesday, weighed by worries over rising oil prices, dealers said. The Shanghai Composite Index, which covers both A and B shares, was up 0.51 points at 2,996.72. Crude oil prices surged again on Monday as traders fretted about escalating clashes in Libya between forces loyal to leader Moamer Qadhafi and rebels seeking to end his four-decade rule. The Shanghai A-share index was up 0.03 percent, or 0.81 points, to 3,138.25 while the Shenzhen A-share index was down 0.05 percent, or 0.65 points, at 1,363.79.