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[1/2] The sun is seen behind a crude oil pump jack in the Permian Basin in Loving County, Texas, U.S., November 22, 2019. REUTERS/Angus Mordant/File PhotoSINGAPORE, April 13 (Reuters) - Oil prices retreated on Thursday after rising for two sessions, with investors still showing lingering concern over a possible U.S. recession and weaker oil demand. The Biden administration plans to refill the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve soon, and hopes to do it at lower oil prices, U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said on Wednesday. Still, the oil market was jolted higher two weeks ago after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies such as Russia agreed to curtail output. As a result, the global oil market could see tightness in the second half of 2023, which would push prices higher, said Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency.

Also supporting prices was a Wednesday report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration that U.S. crude oil stockpiles fell unexpectedly in the week to March 24 to a two-year low. These factors offset bearish sentiment after a lower than expected cut to Russian crude oil production in the first three weeks of March. The 300,000 bpd production decline compared with targeted cuts of 500,000 bpd, or about 5% of Russian output, sources familiar with the data told Reuters. Meanwhile, OPEC+ is likely to stick to its existing deal on reduced oil output at a meeting on Monday, five delegates from the producer group told Reuters. "If all goes as expected, and we manage to avoid a recession, oil prices will dance around $75-$85/bbl in the coming months," FGE analysts said in a note.

SINGAPORE, March 27 (Reuters) - Saudi Aramco's Jizan refinery is set to increase output of ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD) and reduce exports of vacuum gasoil (VGO) as it ramps up production in the second quarter, industry sources said. The refinery could produce up to 250,000 barrels per day (bpd) of ULSD, or 10-ppm gasoil, when it hits full capacity. This could boost Aramco's fuel exports to Europe, the sources said. A hydrocracker processes residual fuel and VGO to produce diesel and kerosene. This could end Jizan's residual fuel exports, with about 90,000 bpd of high-sulphur fuel oil and vacuum residues estimated to be fed into the power plant, said FGE.

☆ Oil drops as oversupply concerns overshadow demand hopes
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-23 | by ( Shariq Khan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Brent crude futures fell 46 cents, or 0.6%, to $76.23 a barrel by 2:15 p.m. EDT (1815 GMT), while the U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures slid by 57 cents, or 0.8%, to $70.33 a barrel. Oil benchmarks were slightly higher before the news on hopes that a lower dollar and higher gasoline prices would spur more demand for the commodity. A weaker greenback makes dollar-denominated oil more attractive to holders of foreign currencies, lifting demand. Higher gasoline demand will encourage refiners to use more crude oil to turn it into the road transportation fuel, Mizuho analyst Robert Yawger said. Also supportive, Goldman Sachs on Thursday said demand from China, the world's biggest oil importer, continued to surge across the commodity complex, with oil demand topping 16 million barrels per day.

☆ Oil crawls up as dollar weakens, gasoline demand surges
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-23 | by ( Shariq Khan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Brent crude futures rose 15 cents, or 0.2%, to $76.84 a barrel by noon EDT (1600 GMT), while the U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up by 6 cents, or 0.1%, to $70.96 a barrel. A weaker greenback makes dollar-denominated oil more attractive to holders of foreign currencies, lifting demand. Further support for crude oil came from RBOB gasoline futures trading at a 10-day high on Thursday after the U.S. Energy Information Administration said stockpiles of the product fell by the most last week since September 2021. Higher gasoline demand will encourage refiners to use more crude oil to turn it into the road transportation fuel, Mizuho analyst Robert Yawger said. Also supportive, Goldman Sachs said on Thursday that demand from China, the world's biggest oil importer, continued to surge across the commodity complex, with oil demand topping 16 million barrels per day.

[1/2] A tug boat pushes an oil barge through New York Harbor past the Statue of Liberty in New York City, U.S., May 24, 2022. Weighing on prices, U.S. crude oil stockpiles rose unexpectedly last week to their highest in nearly two years, latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed. Crude inventories (USOILC=ECI) rose in the week to March 17 by 1.1 million barrels to 481.2 million barrels, the highest since May 2021. Also supportive, Goldman Sachs said on Thursday that demand from China, the world's biggest oil importer, continued to surge across the commodity complex, with oil demand topping 16 million barrels per day. The bank forecast Brent to reach $97 a barrel in the second quarter of 2024.

☆ Oil dips after Fed comments, U.S. crude stock build
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-23 | by ( Jeslyn Lerh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"Economic risks were being flagged out in the Fed meeting, while higher-than-expected U.S. crude oil stockpiles also dampened some optimism around demand outlook," said Yeap Jun Rong, market strategist at IG. However, the weakness in the dollar has been a bright spot in promoting some resilience in oil prices, Yeap said, adding that there was still some upside room left in oil prices. Goldman Sachs said on Thursday that Chinese demand continued to surge across the commodity complex, with oil demand topping 16 million barrels per day. Crude inventories (USOILC=ECI) rose in the week to March 17 by 1.1 million barrels to 481.2 million barrels, the highest since May 2021. Gross U.S. exports of crude oil and oil products hit a new high just shy of 12 million barrels per day, way above any other country's supply levels, the analysts added, citing EIA data.

"Economic risks were being flagged out in the Fed meeting, while higher-than-expected U.S. crude oil stockpiles also dampened some optimism around demand outlook," said Yeap Jun Rong, market strategist at IG. However, the weakness in the dollar has been a bright spot in aiding to drive some resilience in oil prices, with some room left for upside in oil prices amid dip-buying seen at the start of this week, Yeap added. Meanwhile, U.S. crude oil stockpiles rose unexpectedly last week to their highest in nearly two years, latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed. Crude inventories (USOILC=ECI) rose by 1.1 million barrels in the week to March 17 to 481.2 million barrels, the highest since May 2021. Gross exports of crude oil and oil products hit a new high just shy of 12 million barrels per day, way above any other country's supply levels, the analysts added, citing EIA data.

☆ Oil extends losses as rate hike concerns spur sell-off
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Ahmad Ghaddar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures slipped $1.11, or 1.4%, to $76.47 a barrel. "[We] expect the continued recovery in civil aviation demand in China and neighboring countries, a stabilisation in industrial activity and slower non-OPEC+ supply growth to drive the oil market balance into a deficit later this year," the bank added. Data from the API showed U.S. crude inventories fell by about 3.8 million barrels in the week ended March 3, according to market sources. The drawdown defied forecasts for a 400,000 barrel rise in crude stocks from nine analysts polled by Reuters. Meanwhile, gasoline inventories rose by about 1.8 million barrels, while distillate stocks rose by about 1.9 million barrels, according to the sources.

☆ Oil extends declines on rate hike concerns
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Jeslyn Lerh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Data from the American Petroleum Institute showed U.S. crude inventories fell by about 3.8 million barrels in the week ended March 3, according to market sources. The drawdown defied forecasts for a 400,000 barrel rise in crude stocks from nine analysts polled by Reuters. Meanwhile, gasoline inventories rose by about 1.8 million barrels, while distillate stocks rose by about 1.9 million barrels, according to the sources. Powell's comments had propelled the U.S. dollar, which typically trades inversely with oil, to hit a three-month high against a basket of currencies. The dollar index =USD rose as high as 105.65, up 1.3% on Tuesday and the highest since Dec. 6.

Brent crude futures rose 18 cents, or 0.2%, to $83.47 per barrel by 0452 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures gained 4 cents to $77.62 a barrel. Data from the American Petroleum Institute showed U.S. crude inventories fell by about 3.8 million barrels in the week ended March 3, according to market sources. The drawdown defied forecasts for a 400,000 barrel rise in crude stocks from nine analysts polled by Reuters. Traders were awaiting crude inventory data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration later on Wednesday, after the API data showed a decline in crude inventories for the first time after a 10-week build, she added. Powell's comments propelled the U.S. dollar, which typically trades inversely with oil, to hit a three-month high against a basket of currencies.

Brent crude settled up $1.40, or 1.7%, to $85.09 a barrel while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled up $1.33, or 1.7%, to $78.47. Investors hope less aggressive U.S. interest rate increases will help the world's biggest economy dodge a sharp economic slowdown or recession that would hit oil demand. "A looming oil demand surge together with lacklustre global supply growth will ensure that the oil balance tightens over the coming months," said Stephen Brennock of oil broker PVM. The earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on Monday stopped crude oil flows from Iraq and Azerbaijan out of the Turkish port of Ceyhan. U.S. Energy Information Administration data showing U.S. oil production rose last week to the highest level since April 2020, however, limited oil's gains.

The trade also provides a way to get Russian oil to market and bring much-needed export earnings to Moscow. "We've been looking at Russian fuel oil since December. China's total fuel oil imports surged to about 1.76 million tonnes in December, highest since September 2021, official customs data showed. Fuel oil imports from blending hubs trend higher"The deep discounts offered are driving the trend as independent refiners are price sensitive. Asia will continue to soak up cheaper Russian (fuel oil) barrels on top of crude," Jamil said.

REUTERS/Todd Korol/File Photo/File PhotoNEW YORK, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Oil prices rose about 2% on Thursday on expectations that global demand will strengthen as top oil importer China reopens its economy and on positive U.S. economic data. Brent futures rose $1.35, or 1.6%, to settle at $87.47 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 86 cents, or 1.1%, to settle at $81.01. "Crude prices got an unexpected boost from a U.S. economy that doesn’t want to break," said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at data and analytics firm OANDA. China has been easing stringent COVID-19 restrictions this month, with Beijing reopening borders for the first time in three years. The OPEC+ ministerial panel meeting on Feb. 1 is likely to endorse the oil producer group's current output levels, OPEC+ sources said.

☆ Oil steady as market awaits more supply clarity
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-26 | by ( Jeslyn Lerh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Todd Korol/File Photo/File PhotoSINGAPORE, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Oil prices were steady on Thursday after U.S. crude stocks climbed less than expected, while investors awaited further clarity on supply drivers, including an OPEC+ meeting and the looming EU ban on Russian refined products. "The upcoming EU embargo on Russian refined products remains a major source of concern for the market, with widespread dislocations expected to materialize," the Citi analysts said. Oil prices were also little changed after data showed a build in U.S. crude inventories that was less than expected. Crude inventories edged higher by 533,000 barrels to 448.5 million barrels in the week ending Jan. 20, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said. That was substantially short of forecasts for a 1 million barrel rise, though according to the EIA crude stocks are at their highest since June 2021.

Jan 17 (Reuters) - Montfort has emerged as the top bidder for Uniper Energy's oil refinery in the UAE that produces low-sulphur fuel oil for the shipping industry, multiple sources familiar with the matter said this week. The companies are finalising the deal, some of the sources said, although one source said the deal has been closed. Other companies that were also in the running were Vitol and BB Energy, the sources said. The Fujairah plant processes mainly African sweet, or low-sulphur, crude oil, producing about 5 million tonnes per year of very low-sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), according to Uniper and Refinitiv data. Montfort has a bunker supplier licence in Fujairah under the entity of Montfort Trading FZE.

Jan 16 (Reuters) - Oil prices slipped on Monday but were holding near their highest levels this month as easing COVID restrictions in China raised hopes of a demand recovery in the world's top crude importer. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was down $1.01, or 1.3%, at $78.85 in thin trade on a U.S. public holiday. "The narrative that Chinese growth is going to add to demand is playing a very large part here. Traffic levels in China are rebounding from record lows after the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, resulting in stronger demand for crude and oil products, ANZ analysts said in a note. The United Arab Emirates' energy minister, Suhail al-Mazrouei, said on Monday that oil markets were balanced.

☆ Singapore 2022 bunker fuel sales dip 4.3% y/y to 47.9 mln tonnes
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-13 | by ( Jeslyn Lerh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SINGAPORE, Jan 13 (Reuters) - Sales of marine fuel in Singapore, including sales of liquefied natural gas and biofuels, fell 4.3% year-on-year to 47.9 million tonnes in 2022, official data showed on Friday. Bunkering sales of low-sulphur fuel oils (LSFO) were down 8.3% from the previous year to 30.1 million tonnes in 2022, Reuters calculations based on data from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) showed. Total high-sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) sales for bunkering were up 6.2% from the previous year to 13.7 million tonnes in 2022, while sales of marine gasoils (MGO) dipped 6.2% to 3.8 million tonnes in 2022. Bunker sales of biofuel blends reached 140,000 tonnes with more than 90 biofuel bunkering operations completed in Singapore, surpassing bunker sales of liquefied natural gas (LNG) which totalled 16,000 tonnes, the MPA said. A total of 577.7 million tonnes of cargo was handled in 2022, with vessel arrival tonnage hitting 2.83 billion gross tonnage (GT).

Brent crude was up $1.29, or 1.6%, at $79.80 a barrel by 1:29 p.m. EST (1829 GMT). "The gradual reopening of the Chinese economy will provide an additional and immeasurable layer of price support," said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM. The rally followed a drop last week of more than 8% for both oil benchmarks, their biggest weekly declines at the start of a year since 2016. As part of a "new phase" in the fight against COVID-19, China opened its borders over the weekend for the first time in three years. "The NY Fed data should be supportive for oil prices, as it suggests that inflation is peaking," said Phil Flynn, analyst at Price Futures group.

☆ Oil jumps 3% on demand optimism as China borders reopen
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-09 | by ( Alex Lawler | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"If recession is avoided, global oil demand and demand growth will remain resilient," said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM, adding that developments in China were the main reason for Monday's gains. "The gradual reopening of the Chinese economy will provide an additional and immeasurable layer of price support," he said. The rally followed a drop last week of more than 8% for both oil benchmarks, their biggest weekly declines at the start of a year since 2016. As part of a "new phase" in the fight against COVID-19, China opened its borders over the weekend for the first time in three years. ,Reporting by Alex Lawler Additional reporting by Florence Tan and Jeslyn Lerh Editing by David GoodmanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Oil rises on demand optimism as China borders reopen
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-09 | by ( Jeslyn Lerh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Companies Baker Hughes Co FollowSINGAPORE, Jan 9 (Reuters) - Oil prices climbed on Monday as the borders reopened in China, the world's top crude importer, boosting the outlook for fuel demand growth and offsetting global recession concerns. Brent crude futures were up $1.49, or 1.9%, at $80.06 a barrel as of 0745 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose $1.43, or 1.9%, to $75.20. Those concerns are reflected in the market structure for the benchmark oil futures. ,"Oil prices have likely ticked up on increased confidence on China's reopening, but fears of recession in the wider global market remains. This uncertainty will likely lead to swings in oil prices in the near-term," said Serena Huang, Vortexa's head of APAC analysis.

Companies Baker Hughes Co FollowSINGAPORE, Jan 9 (Reuters) - Oil prices climbed on Monday as the borders reopened in China, the world's top crude importer, boosting the outlook for fuel demand growth and offsetting global recession concerns. Brent crude futures rose 90 cents, or 1.2%, to $79.47 a barrel at 0520 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was up 90 cents, or 1.2%, at $74.67. Despite the gains in oil on Monday, concerns remain that the massive flow of Chinese travellers may cause another surge in COVID infections. Those concerns are reflected in the market structure for the benchmark oil futures. Energy futures for crude oil, refined products and natural gas have plummeted in the New Year as traders have reconsidered near-term worries over cold weather and fears of supply shortages and dumped contracts.

☆ Oil weakens on China uncertainty; U.S. demand keeps losses in check
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-29 | by ( Shariq Khan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Conflicting headlines about demand from top oil importer China have buffeted traders in recent weeks. Brent crude futures for February delivery fell by $1.06, or 1.3%, to $82.20 a barrel by 11:52 a.m. EST [1652 GMT]. A weaker dollar makes oil cheaper for holders of other currencies and can boost demand. Oil prices also gained some support after inventories update for last week from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Despite a surprise build in crude oil stocks, the report itself was positive, said Giovanni Staunovo of Swiss bank UBS, adding it showed a solid rebound in implied oil demand, resulting in large draws of refined products last week.

☆ Oil weakens on China uncertainty, U.S. demand keeps losses in check
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-29 | by ( Shariq Khan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Conflicting headlines about demand from top oil importer China have buffeted traders in recent weeks. Brent crude futures for February delivery fell by $1.01, or 1.2%, to $82.25 a barrel by 11:52 a.m. EST [1652 GMT]. A weaker dollar makes oil cheaper for holders of other currencies and can boost demand. Oil prices also gained some support after inventories update for last week from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Despite a surprise build in crude oil stocks, the report itself was positive, said Giovanni Staunovo of Swiss bank UBS, adding it showed a solid rebound in implied oil demand, resulting in large draws of refined products last week.

☆ Oil trims losses as softer dollar offsets Chinese demand fears
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-29 | by ( Rowena Edwards | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON, Dec 29 (Reuters) - Oil prices pared losses after falling by over $2 earlier in the session, as a weaker dollar partially offset demand fears resulting from surging COVID-19 cases in China. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell $1.07, or 1.36%, to $77.89 a barrel, after reaching session lows of $76.79. A weaker dollar makes oil cheaper for holders of other currencies and can boost demand. U.S. crude oil inventories fell less than expected, by about 1.3 million barrels, in the week ended Dec. 23, according to market sources citing American Petroleum Institute figures. Markets, however, drew some support from Russian President Vladimir Putin's ban on exports of crude oil and oil products from Feb. 1 for five months to nations that abide by a Western price cap.

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