Oil Prices Decline over Weak Demand Outlook
The prices of crude oil were under pressures early on Tuesday in the global commodities market as demand and supply risks persist.
Brent decreased to $73.52 per barrel while the US benchmark West Texas Intermediate fell to $69.50 per barrel as demand from Chinese remained depressed.
China, the world’s largest oil importer, announced a stimulus package to relieve ongoing problems in the real estate sector, but experts argue that the measures did not meet sector expectations.
In order to alleviate the contraction in the real estate sector and housing market the country announced a 25-basis point reduction for 1- and 5-year loan interest rates, which serve as the benchmark interest for corporate loans and real estate loans.
The contraction in the real estate sector and housing market, both of which negatively impact China’s economic growth, put pressure on crude prices by supporting predictions of declining demand in the country.
According to data, crude oil markets strengthened yesterday with Brent settling almost 1.7% higher on the day. Lingering tension in the Middle East continues to provide support as the market awaits Israel’s response to Iran’s recent attack, ING said in a note.
In addition, a Hezbollah drone strike near the Israeli Prime Minister’s private residence will not have helped to ease tensions, analysts added.
On the demand side, banks in China cut their loan prime rates, which would be welcome news for borrowers. While the cut was unsurprising, the reduction was slightly larger than the market expected.
OPEC+ has revealed plan to gradually bring 2.2 million b/d of oil supply back onto the market next year. ING said this should leave the market in surplus, which will not only keep pressure on flat prices through next year but should also mean further weakness in time spreads.
“Essentially with the market returning to a sizeable surplus, we should at least see the front end of the curve moving into contango”, ING said.
Meanwhile, Israel continues its attacks in northern Gaza despite numerous calls for a ceasefire. At least 20 Palestinians were killed early Tuesday in two separate Israeli army attacks in northern Gaza.
Witnesses said drones are surrounding the Khalifa Bin Zayed School, with officials threatening to kill if they do not evacuate. Concerns that the war could spread over a wider area and disrupt oil supply routes continue to limit further price falls. #Oil Prices Decline over Weak Demand Outlook
