Oil prices dip on demand fears as OPEC+ considers output increase
London, Tuesday
Oil prices fell yesterday on worries that new restrictions to stem surging US and Asian coronavirus cases could threaten a recovery in fuel demand just as OPEC+ producers prepare to increase output from August.
Brent crude LCOc1 futures were down 25 cents to $42.47 a barrel, after briefly turning slightly positive, and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude CLc1 futures slid 38 cents to $39.72.
The governor of California, the United States’ most populous state, on Monday reimposed restrictions, following similar moves in other states, such as Florida and Texas. New restrictions were also introduced in Asia and Australia.
Supply side
On the supply side, markets are keenly awaiting news from Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, collectively known as OPEC+, on the next level of production cuts.
OPEC’s Joint Technical Committee meets on Tuesday, with the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee due to meet on Wednesday.
Under the existing supply pact, OPEC+ is set to taper its record production cut of 9.7 million barrels per day (bpd) to 7.7 million bpd from August through December.
The oil market is moving closer to balance as demand gradually rises, OPEC’s secretary general said on Monday.
OPEC’s monthly report said it expected global oil demand to grow by a record 7 million bpd next year, but that demand will still be weaker than pre-Covid.
Monthly highs
China’s June crude oil imports hit both daily and monthly highs, data showed on Tuesday.
However, Citi analysts said the looming supply increase could weigh on prices given demand uncertainties. Morgan Stanley said oil demand is unlikely to exceed pre-Covid levels until late 2021. – Reuters
