LONDON (AFX) - Brent crude was lower in early London trade after a greater-than-expected rise in US oil inventories, traders said. At 10.22 am, Brent crude for November delivery was down 31 cents at 21.74 usd, up from an opening low of 21.55 -- the lowest opening level since Oct 1999. US crude oil stocks, measured by the American Petroleum Institute, increased by 3.41 mln barrels to 307.67 mln in the week to Sept 28 from the previous week, sources said overnight.