July 6 (Bloomberg) -- Asian stocks declined in the U.S. after oil prices climbed above $61 a barrel for the first time. Carriers such as China Southern Airlines Co. led the drop amid concern that higher fuel costs may crimp profit growth.

The Bank of New York Co.'s Asia ADR Index, which tracks the region's American depositary receipts, lost 0.5 percent to 108.19, the lowest since June 13.

Crude oil for August delivery increased 2.8 percent to $61.28 a barrel in New York, the highest close since futures began trading in 1983, on speculation that Tropical Storm Dennis may disrupt shipments along the U.S. Gulf coast.

China Southern, the country's second-largest carrier, slumped $1.10 to $15.29. China Eastern Airlines Corp., the nation's third-biggest carrier by sales, slipped 45 cents to $17.05.

Chinese airlines had a combined loss of 340 million yuan ($41 million) in the first five months of the year because of rising oil prices, the China Securities Journal reported, citing the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China.

Korea Electric Power Corp. declined 24 cents to $15.28. Oil and coal account for two-thirds of the utility's spending on fuel.

Energy companies gained along with oil prices. PetroChina Co., the country's biggest oil producer, climbed 82 cents to $78.22. Cnooc Ltd., which is seeking to acquire U.S. energy company Unocal Corp., added $2.19 to $63.45.

Toyota Motor Corp. gained 52 cents to $73.43. The world's second-biggest automaker said it aims to more than double European sales of the Prius gasoline-electric car to 20,000 this year as prices for fuel increase.

Nikkei 225 Stock Average futures expiring in September closed at 11,580 in Chicago, down from 11,610 in Osaka and 11,605 in Singapore.

To contact the reporter on this story: Lu Wang in New York at Lwang8@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: July 6, 2005 17:12 EDT