Oil prices set for a weekly gain of 4%
That would be the first weekly rise since August and would follow a nine-month low hit earlier in the week
London — Oil prices were on track for their first weekly gain in five on Friday, underpinned by a weaker dollar and the possibility that Opec+ will agree to cut crude output when it meets on Oct. 5.
Brent crude futures for November, which expire on Friday, rose 95c, or 1.07%, to $89.44 a barrel by 9.48am GMT. The more active December contract was up 81c at $87.99.
US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 72c, or 0.89%, to $81.95.
Brent and WTI contracts rose more than $1 earlier in the session and are poised for a weekly gain of about 4%. It would be the first weekly rise since August and follow nine-month lows hit earlier in the week.
Oil prices were shored up by a drop in the dollar from 20-year highs earlier in the week. A weaker greenback makes dollar-denominated oil cheaper for buyers holding other currencies, improving demand for the commodity.
Analysts also expect buying to lift as Russia prepares to annex four Ukrainian regions to Russia on Friday in a move that could force the US to strengthen sanctions against Russia.
The market has received new support from the prospect of oil cartel Opec and its allies cutting production quotas at its October 5 meeting.
Analysts expect a production cut because demand fears linked to a possible global economic slowdown and rising interest rates have weighed on crude prices.
Brent and WTI prices are likely to finish the third quarter with a chunky 23% decline.
“The producer group has lost control over the oil market in recent weeks and will want to reassert its influence,” said Stephen Brennock of oil broker PVM, adding that Opec+ leadership will want to safeguard a price floor of $90 a barrel.
“Expect oil prices to receive a supportive kick up the backside next week,” Brennock said.
Reuters