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Jan 13 (Reuters) - Oil prices rose on Friday, set to gain more than 6% for the week, on solid signs of demand growth in top oil importer China and expectations of less aggressive interest rate rises in the United States. Brent crude futures rose by 5 cents to $84.08 a barrel by 0746 GMT, off a session low of $83.50. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures gained 13 cents to $78.52 a barrel after falling to $77.97 earlier in the session. Brent has jumped 6.7% so far this week and WTI is up 6.2%, recouping most of last week's losses. A weaker greenback tends to boost demand for oil, as it makes the commodity cheaper for buyers holding other currencies.

☆ Oil rises on China demand hopes, U.S. inflation in focus
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( Alex Lawler | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Summary China reopening leads to optimism demand will riseLooming EU ban on Russian oil products imports in focusComing up: U.S. CPI data, 1330 GMTLONDON, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Oil rose about 1% on Thursday supported by optimism over China's demand outlook and hopes that upcoming inflation data from the United States will point to a slower increase in interest rates. Top oil importer China is reopening its economy after the end of strict COVID-19 curbs, boosting optimism that demand for fuel will grow in 2023. The market is also bracing for an additional curb on Russian oil supply due to sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine. The U.S. Energy Information Administration said the upcoming EU ban on seaborne imports of petroleum products from Russia on Feb. 5 could be more disruptive than the EU ban on seaborne imports of crude oil from Russia implemented in December 2022. Additional reporting by Laura Sanicola and Emily Chow; editing by Jason Neely and Susan FentonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Oil steadies amid China demand hopes, caution ahead of U.S. inflation data
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( Alex Lawler | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Summary China reopening leads to optimism demand will riseLooming EU ban on Russian oil products imports in focusComing up: U.S. CPI data, 1330 GMTLONDON, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Oil steadied on Thursday as optimism over China's demand outlook was tempered by caution over whether upcoming inflation data from the United States will point to a slower increase in interest rates. Top oil importer China is reopening its economy after the end of strict COVID-19 curbs, boosting optimism that demand for fuel will grow in 2023. The market is also bracing for an additional curb on Russian supply due to sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine. The U.S. Energy Information Administration said the upcoming EU ban on seaborne imports of petroleum products from Russia on Feb. 5 could be more disruptive than the EU ban on seaborne imports of crude oil from Russia implemented in December 2022. Additional reporting by Laura Sanicola and Emily Chow; editing by Jason NeelyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Oil trades flat amid China demand hopes, caution ahead of U.S. inflation data
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( Emily Chow | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

SINGAPORE, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Oil prices traded mostly flat on Thursday, giving up gains made earlier in the day, as optimism over China's demand outlook was tempered by caution ahead of upcoming inflation data from the United States. Both benchmarks had risen 3% in Wednesday's session, boosted by hopes for an improved global economic outlook and concern over the impact of sanctions on Russian crude output. "China is speeding up stockpiles for crude oil ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, as the demand outlook has been improved amid a U-turn in its COVID policy," said Tina Teng, an analyst at CMC Markets. Upcoming U.S. inflation data, however, is a key risk factor for oil, CMC Market's Teng added. An international price cap imposed on sales of Russian crude took effect on Dec. 5.

Jan 12 (Reuters) - Oil prices edged up on Thursday, building on gains in the previous session as China's demand outlook improved, though gains were limited ahead of upcoming inflation data from the United States. Both benchmarks rose 3% in Wednesday's session, boosted by hopes for an improved global economic outlook and concern over the impact of sanctions on Russian crude output. Top oil importer China is reopening its economy after the end of strict COVID-19 curbs, boosting optimism that demand for fuel will grow in 2023. Upcoming U.S. inflation data however is a key risk factor for oil, CMC Market's Teng added. An international price cap imposed on sales of Russian crude took effect on Dec. 5.

Jan 12 (Reuters) - Oil prices rose in early trade on Thursday, building on gains in the previous session as China's demand outlook improves and concerns rise over the impact of sanctions on Russian supply. Brent crude rose 50 cents, or 0.6%, to $83.17 per barrel by 0135 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude also rose 50 cents, or 0.7%, to $77.91 per barrel. Top oil importer China is reopening its economy after the end of strict COVID-19 curbs, boosting optimism that demand for fuel will grow in 2023. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the country's oil producers have had no difficulties in securing export deals despite Western sanctions and price caps. An international price cap imposed on sales of Russian crude took effect on Dec. 5.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose $2.29, or 3.1%, to settle at $77.41. Global equities were up on hopes that U.S. inflation and earnings figures due on Thursday will indicate a resilient economy and result in a slower pace of interest rate hikes. Oil demand is coming back and expectations are high that China’s demand is about to skyrocket," said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at data and analytics firm OANDA. Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast a 2.2 million-barrel decline in crude stocks, and industry data from the American Petroleum Institute (API) showing a 14.9 million-barrel build. ,EIA this week forecast U.S. crude production will reach all-time highs in 2023 and 2024.

☆ Oil edges higher as petroleum demand set to touch record next year
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-10 | by ( Arathy Somasekhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

ETHOUSTON, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Oil prices edged slightly higher on Tuesday as the U.S. government forecast record global petroleum consumption next year and as the dollar hovered at seven-month lows. A weaker dollar can boost demand for oil, as greenback-denominated commodities become cheaper for holders of other currencies. But analysts said a revival of Chinese demand may only give oil prices limited support under downward pressure from the global economy. Goldman Sachs expects that the growing ability of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to raise prices without hurting demand too much will limit downside risks to its bullish oil forecast for 2023. Separately, U.S. stockpiles of crude oil and distillates were expected to have fallen last week, a Reuters poll showed.

☆ Oil rises 1% as petroleum demand set to touch record next year
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-10 | by ( Arathy Somasekhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

ETHOUSTON, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Oil prices climbed marginally on Tuesday as the U.S. government forecast record global petroleum consumption next year and as the dollar hovered at seven-month lows. Thursday's data "could easily clarify the direction of the financial and oil markets for weeks to come", said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM. A weaker dollar can boost demand for oil, as greenback-denominated commodities become cheaper for holders of other currencies. But analysts said a revival of Chinese demand may only give oil prices limited support under downward pressure from the global economy. Separately, U.S. stockpiles of crude oil and distillates were expected to have fallen last week, a Reuters poll showed.

Jan 10 (Reuters) - Oil edged lower on Tuesday on expectations that further interest rate hikes in the United States, the world's biggest oil user, will slow economic growth and limit fuel demand. Brent futures for March delivery fell 43 cents to $79.22 a barrel, a 0.5% drop, by 0522 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude fell 36 cents, or 0.5%, to $74.27 per barrel. But analysts warned that China's demand revival may play limited role to drive up oil prices under the global economic downward pressure. Separately, U.S. crude oil stockpiles likely fell 2.4 million barrels, with distillate inventories also seen slightly down, a preliminary Reuters poll showed on Monday.

☆ Oil steady as clarity on Fed rate hike awaited
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-10 | by ( Arathy Somasekhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Jan 10 (Reuters) - Oil prices were little changed on Tuesday, giving up some of the gains from the previous session, as traders awaited clarity on the Federal Reserve's plans for rate hikes to gauge the impact on the economy and fuel demand. U.S. crude fell 5 cents, or 0.07%, to $74.58 per barrel. The dollar index rose 0.1% after hitting a seven-month low in the previous session. U.S. crude oil stockpiles likely fell 2.4 million barrels, with distillate inventories also seen slightly down, a preliminary Reuters poll showed on Monday. Industry group American Petroleum Institute is due to release data on U.S. crude inventories at 4.30 p.m. EDT (2030 GMT) on Tuesday.

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 nudges higher after China opens borders, lifts fuel demand outlook
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-09 | by ( Florence Tan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Companies Baker Hughes Co FollowSINGAPORE, Jan 9 (Reuters) - Oil prices edged up on Monday, a day after travellers streamed into China following a reopening of borders that lifted the fuel demand outlook and partly offset concerns of global recession. Brent crude futures had risen 53 cents, or 0.7%, to $79.10 a barrel by 0114 GMT while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at $74.23 a barrel, up 46 cents, or 0.6%. Both Brent and WTI tumbled more than 8% last week, their biggest weekly dives at the start of a year since 2016. China, the world's second-biggest oil consumer, opened its borders on Saturday for the first time in three years, buoying the outlook for its demand for transportation fuels. 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 tanker groups Frontline and Euronav scrap $4.2 billion merger
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Jan 9 (Reuters) - Oil tanker company Frontline (FRO.OL) said on Monday a $4.2 billion deal to merge with rival Euronav NV (EUAV.BR) was terminated, a combination which would have created the world's largest publicly listed tanker company. Frontline will not make a voluntary conditional exchange offer for Belgian oil tanker and storage operator Euronav's shares and will no longer seek a listing on Euronext Brussels, it said in a statement. "We regret that we could not complete the merger as envisaged in July 2022, as that would have created the by far largest publicly listed tanker company," Chief Executive Lars Barstad said. The two companies announced the deal last year, aiming to create a market-leading oil tanker group with 146 vessels. However, since the announcement of the planned merger, Euronav had clashed with its biggest shareholder Compagnie Maritime Belge (CMB), which sought to block it.

For the week, both Brent and WTI were down over 8%, their biggest weekly dives to start the year since 2016. "The oil market might be regaining some composure following the bloodbath earlier this week, but the upside potential remains limited, at least in the near term. That U.S. jobs report caused the U.S. dollar to rally as investors bet that inflation is easing and the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) need not be as aggressive as some feared. A weaker dollar can boost demand for oil, as dollar-denominated commodities become cheaper for holders of other currencies. Stock markets in China, the world's largest crude oil importer, logged a five-day winning streak on Friday on investors' expectations that the Chinese economy would soon emerge from its COVID woes and stage a robust recovery in 2023.

☆ Oil prices rise $1 on China's reopening optimism
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-06 | by ( Emily Chow | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Brent crude futures were 94 cents, or 1.2%, higher at $79.63 a barrel at 0345 GMT, after settling 85 cents stronger at $78.69 on Thursday. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 91 cents, or 1.2%, at $74.58 a barrel. However, oil prices were on track to end the week lower, with both contracts down around 7% on a week earlier. "China's reopening optimism, especially further stimulus measures to boost the property sector, is the main bullish factor for the oil prices, which has improved the demand outlook in the near year," said Tina Teng, an analyst at CMC Markets. China, the world's largest crude oil importer, has abruptly ended its stringent zero-COVID policy, leading to a surge in COVID infections across the country.

Summary Oil prices edge higher after steep lossesU.S. manufacturing contracts, prices decline in Dec -ISMChina COVID data shows under-reported deaths, WHO saysJan 5 (Reuters) - Oil prices rebounded on Thursday after opening the year down more than 9%, the worst yearly start in over three decades, as investors took advantage of the decline to buy futures on expectations long-term fuel demand will remain steady. Brent crude futures gained 59 cents to $78.43 a barrel at 0136 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 69 cents to $73.53 a barrel. U.S. crude oil inventories rose by 3.3 million barrels last week along with gasoline stocks jumping 1.2 million barrels, while distillate stocks fell, according to market sources citing American Petroleum Institute figures. Concerns about the economic disruptions as COVID-19 works its way through China, the world's biggest oil importer, have added to the pessimism around crude prices. The Chinese government increased export quotas for refined oil products in the first batch for 2023, signaling expectations of poor domestic demand.

The Chinese government increased export quotas for refined oil products in the first batch for 2023, signalling expectations of poor domestic demand. read more"The market remains worried about the impact of macro factors such as the economic downward pressure," said analysts from Haitong Futures. Lending oil some support, the dollar weakened on Wednesday after posting big gains in the previous session. A weaker dollar typically boosts demand for oil as dollar-denominated commodities become cheaper for holders of other currencies. U.S. crude oil stockpiles likely rose 2.2 million barrels, with distillate inventories also seen down, a preliminary Reuters poll showed on Monday.

☆ Oil slides after IMF says slowing global growth engines portend tougher 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-03 | by ( Florence Tan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Companies International Monetary Fund FollowSINGAPORE, Jan 3 (Reuters) - Oil prices slid on Tuesday from their highest levels in a month on a stronger dollar and after the head of the International Monetary Fund warned of a tougher 2023 as major economies experience weakening activity. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said on Sunday that the United States, Europe and China - the main engines of global growth - are all slowing down simultaneously, making 2023 tougher than 2022 for the global economy. Still, oil prices settled more than 2% higher on Friday with Brent and WTI closing 2022 up 10.5% and 6.7%, respectively. Commodities saw a substantial $12.3 billion bullish flow in the week that ended on Dec. 27, the single largest weekly bullish flow in 2022, Societe Generale analysts said in a Jan. 3 note. However, January oil products exports from Tuapse is expected to fall to 1.333 million tonnes, traders said.

Funds had already increased their combined position by 44 million barrels over the seven days ending on Dec. 20, according to data from regulators and exchanges. The late surge of purchasing reverses some of the 236 million barrels of sales reported over the previous five weeks. Crude positions had risen to 331 million barrels (14th percentile) up from a low of 253 million (5th percentile) on Dec. 13. The difference between bullish and bearish investors is essentially about timing of the oil market cycle. Related columns:- Hedge fund oil sales slow as balance of risks shifts (Reuters, Dec. 19)- Investors abandon bullish oil positions as recession nears (Reuters, Dec. 12)- Oil prices slump as receding price-cap threat unmasks worsening demand (Reuters, Dec. 8)John Kemp is a Reuters market analyst.

A spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council said President Joe Biden's administration will continue to back Venezuela's interim government "regardless of what form it takes." He did not comment on whether that support included extending a key protection to Citgo under the new structure. Another potential scenario with the commission taking over: a new U.S. court battle over the legitimacy of Citgo's board of directors. A federal court in 2020 ratified the executives appointed by Guaido to run Citgo. Lawyers advising Citgo's supervisory boards have warned about the challenges of presenting a new government structure before U.S. courts.

☆ Economic weakness set to weigh on oil price in 2023 - Reuters poll
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-30 | by ( Brijesh Patel | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A survey of 30 economists and analysts forecast Brent crude would average $89.37 a barrel in 2023, about 4.6% lower than the $93.65 consensus in a November survey. U.S. crude is projected to average $84.84 per barrel in 2023, versus the previous month's $87.80 consensus. Brent has fallen more than 15% since early November and was trading around $84 a barrel on Friday as surging COVID-19 cases in China depressed the outlook for oil demand growth in the world's largest crude oil importer. The impact of Western sanctions on Russian oil is expected to minimal, the poll showed. Moscow this week signed a decree that bans the supply of oil and oil products to nations participating in the Group of Seven (G7) price cap from Feb. 1 for five months.

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