LONDON - The benchmark contract for European Union carbon emissions permits fell below 13 euros a tonne to a seven-week low on Friday as energy prices weakened, traders said.

EU Allowances (EUAs) for December delivery dropped nearly 3 percent to 12.98 euros ($19.31) a tonne before recovering slightly to 13.00 euros by 1547 GMT.

The general energy complex is weak. Support broke when prices fell through a technical level of 13.30-13.40 euros this morning, an emissions trader said.

EUAs last traded below 13 euros on October 5, when prices sank to 12.92 euros. (Reporting by Nina Chestney; Editing by XXX)