Prices fall further, but concern about tighter Russian and Iranian supply checks losses
07 January 2025 - 08:18
byColleen Howe and Siyi Liu
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Beijing/Singapore — Oil prices eased on Tuesday, extending losses into a second consecutive session after last week’s rally, though concerns about tighter Russian and Iranian supply amid widening Western sanctions checked losses.
Brent futures edged down 8c, or 0.1%, to $76.22 a barrel by 4.52am GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 15c, or 0.19%, to $73.42.
Both benchmarks slid on Monday, after rising for five consecutive days in a row last week to settle at their highest levels since October on Friday amid the expectation of more fiscal stimulus to revitalise China’s faltering economy.
“This week’s weakness is likely due to a technical correction, as traders react to softer economic data globally that undermines the optimism seen earlier,” said Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at Phillip Nova, referring to bearish economic news from the US and Germany.
Also dragging on oil prices is the rising supply from non-Opec countries that, coupled with weak demand from China, is expected to keep the oil market well supplied this year.
Market participants are waiting for more data this week, such as the US December nonfarm payrolls report on Friday, for clues on US interest rate policy and oil demand outlook.
“The move higher in crude oil prices appears to be running out of momentum,” ING analysts wrote in a note.
“While there has been some tightening in the physical market, fundamentals through 2025 are still set to be comfortable, which should cap the upside.”
Worry over tightening Russian and Iranian supply amid sanctions, however, kept a floor under oil prices.
The uncertainty has translated into better demand for Middle Eastern oil, reflected in a hike in Saudi Arabia’s February oil prices to Asia, the first such increase in three months.
Money managers raised their net long US crude futures and options positions in the week to December 31, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission said on Monday.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Oil slips amid waning demand optimism
Prices fall further, but concern about tighter Russian and Iranian supply checks losses
Beijing/Singapore — Oil prices eased on Tuesday, extending losses into a second consecutive session after last week’s rally, though concerns about tighter Russian and Iranian supply amid widening Western sanctions checked losses.
Brent futures edged down 8c, or 0.1%, to $76.22 a barrel by 4.52am GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 15c, or 0.19%, to $73.42.
Both benchmarks slid on Monday, after rising for five consecutive days in a row last week to settle at their highest levels since October on Friday amid the expectation of more fiscal stimulus to revitalise China’s faltering economy.
“This week’s weakness is likely due to a technical correction, as traders react to softer economic data globally that undermines the optimism seen earlier,” said Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at Phillip Nova, referring to bearish economic news from the US and Germany.
Also dragging on oil prices is the rising supply from non-Opec countries that, coupled with weak demand from China, is expected to keep the oil market well supplied this year.
Market participants are waiting for more data this week, such as the US December nonfarm payrolls report on Friday, for clues on US interest rate policy and oil demand outlook.
“The move higher in crude oil prices appears to be running out of momentum,” ING analysts wrote in a note.
“While there has been some tightening in the physical market, fundamentals through 2025 are still set to be comfortable, which should cap the upside.”
Worry over tightening Russian and Iranian supply amid sanctions, however, kept a floor under oil prices.
The uncertainty has translated into better demand for Middle Eastern oil, reflected in a hike in Saudi Arabia’s February oil prices to Asia, the first such increase in three months.
Money managers raised their net long US crude futures and options positions in the week to December 31, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission said on Monday.
Reuters
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