Oil rises on expectation stocks will keep declining

London — Oil rose on Tuesday on the expectation of a continuous decline in US oil inventories, recouping some losses from the previous session due to lingering concern over rising cases of the Delta coronavirus variant.

Brent, the international benchmark for oil prices, rose 60c, or 0.8%, to $73.49 a barrel, at 9.05am GMT.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was up 63c, or 0.9%, at $71.89 a barrel.

Both markets dropped more than 3% on Monday.

“Some market participants see Monday’s price setback as a bit exaggerated, considering that we are likely to see another decline in oil inventory this week,” UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said.

A preliminary Reuters poll showed US crude and product inventories probably declined last week, with both distillates and petrol stockpiles predicted to have fallen for a third consecutive week.

Despite recent fluctuations, oil prices are high and healthy, lifting earnings of major oil firms. BP, Diamondback Energy, Continental Resources and Pioneer Natural Resources reported strong second-quarter profit this week.

Brent prices have risen more than 40% since the beginning of the year.

However, the concern over the spread of Delta variant in the US and China, the top oil consumers, put pressure on prices.

In China, the spread of the Delta variant from the coast to inland cities has prompted authorities to impose strict measures to bring the outbreak under control.

“Delta related concerns will likely keep oil markets volatile over the coming weeks but at the same time we also see flying activity across Europe and the US continue to grind higher, supporting oil demand,” Staunovo said.

Oil prices also came after pressure on expectations of return of Iranian crude to the markets.

Iran’s new president, Ebrahim Raisi, said on Tuesday his government would take steps to lift “tyrannical” sanctions imposed by the US on its energy and banking sectors.

Iran and six powers have been in talks since April to revive a nuclear pact. But Iranian and Western officials have said that significant gaps remain.

The sixth round of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington adjourned on June 20, two days after Raisi was elected president. Parties involved in the negotiations have yet to announce when the talks will resume.

Reuters