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☆ Oil steadies as market digests supply and demand outlook
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-06 | by ( Natalie Grover | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

LONDON, July 6 (Reuters) - Oil prices were little changed on Thursday as the market digested tighter crude supply alongside fears of global economic slowdown. Brent crude futures edged up 12 cents to $76.77 a barrel by 1143 GMT after a 0.5% gain the previous day. On the supply side, top oil exporters Saudi Arabia and Russia announced a fresh round of output cuts for August. The total cuts now stand at more than 5 million barrels per day (bpd), equating to 5% of global oil output. "The oil balance will likely tighten and so will financial conditions, judging by the Fed minutes released last night," said PVM analyst Tamas Varga.

Persons: Tamas Varga, Natalie Grover, Yuka Obayashi, David Goodman Organizations: Brent, . West Texas, Thomson Locations: Saudi Arabia, Russia, U.S, Europe, China, London, Tokyo, Singapore

☆ Oil dips as China demand fears offset tighter supply outlook
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-06 | by ( Jeslyn Lerh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SINGAPORE, July 6 (Reuters) - Oil prices slipped in Asian trade on Thursday as fears of a sluggish demand recovery in the world's top crude importer China offset the prospect of tighter supply, with top exporters Saudi Arabia and Russia cutting output. Brent crude futures dipped 21 cents, or 0.3%, to $76.44 a barrel at 0650 GMT, after settling higher 0.5% the previous day. "Near-term, a move above the key $80.00 level may be needed to provide some conviction for the bulls," Yeap added. Weighing on the demand outlook, China's services activity expanded at the slowest pace in five months in June, a private-sector survey showed on Wednesday, as weakening demand weighed on post-pandemic recovery momentum. Analysts had expected a drop in crude inventories of about 1 million barrels in a Reuters poll.

Persons: Jun Rong, Yeap, Tatsufumi Okoshi, Okoshi, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Yuka Obayashi, Sonali Paul Organizations: Brent, . West Texas, IG, Nomura Securities, Saudi, American Petroleum Institute, Thomson Locations: SINGAPORE, China, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Saudi, OPEC, Tokyo, Singapore

TOKYO, July 6 (Reuters) - Oil prices moved little in early Asian trade on Thursday as the prospect of tighter supply with output cuts from Saudi Arabia and Russia and a bigger-than-expected drop in U.S. crude stocks were offset by worries over a sluggish demand recovery in China. Brent crude futures was down 2 cents to $76.63 a barrel by 0038 GMT after settling up 0.5% the previous day. "Saudi's supply curb announcement and expectations for a possible further reduction are supporting oil prices," said Tatsufumi Okoshi, senior economist at Nomura Securities, adding a bigger-than-expected drop in U.S. crude stocks also supported sentiment. U.S. crude stocks fell by about 4.4 million barrels in the week ended June 30, while gasoline and distillate inventories rose, according to market sources citing American Petroleum Institute figures. Analysts had expected a drop in crude inventories of about 1 million barrels in a Reuters poll.

Persons: Tatsufumi Okoshi, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Yuka Obayashi, Sonali Paul Organizations: Brent, . West Texas, Nomura Securities, American Petroleum Institute, Thomson Locations: TOKYO, Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, Saudi, OPEC

U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose $2.15 from Monday's close, or 3.1%, to $71.91 a barrel by 11:36 a.m. EDT (1536 GMT). Brent crude futures rose 45 cents, or 0.5%, to $76.66 a barrel, after gaining $1.60 a barrel on Tuesday. "The July voluntary cuts and the extension into August should considerably tighten the oil market, but investors will stay on the sidelines until oil inventories will show substantial draws," said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo. The American Petroleum Association will report its weekly U.S. crude oil and products inventory report after 4:30 p.m. EDT (2030 GMT) on Wednesday. Morgan Stanley on Wednesday lowered its oil price forecasts, predicting a market surplus in the first half of 2024 with non-OPEC supply growing faster than demand next year.

Persons: Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Giovanni Staunovo, Staunovo, Morgan Stanley, Shariq Khan, Natalie Grover, Yuka Obayashi, Muyu Xu, David Goodman, Jan Harvey, David Gregorio Our Organizations: Brent's Tuesday, Brent, . West Texas, American Petroleum Association, U.S . Energy, Administration, U.S, Thomson Locations: Saudi Arabia, Russia, BENGALURU, Monday's, Algeria, Saudi, OPEC, China, Europe

☆ Brent crude steady as economic fears offset supply cuts
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-05 | by ( Natalie Grover | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

LONDON, July 5 (Reuters) - Brent crude oil prices were little changed on Wednesday as concern over the global economy countered supply cuts announced this week by top crude exporters Saudi Arabia and Russia. Recent surveys have shown a slump in global factory activity, reflecting sluggish demand in China and Europe. Russia and Algeria, meanwhile, are lowering their August output and export levels by 500,000 bpd and 20,000 bpd respectively. Seperately, Kazakhstan oil output on July 4 plunged by about a fifth from July 2 levels after widespread power outages. Kazakh crude accounts for about 1.7% of global oil production.

Persons: Brent, Tamas Varga, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Morgan Stanley, Natalie Grover, Yuka Obayashi, Xu, David Goodman Organizations: Brent, . West Texas Intermediate, U.S, Thomson Locations: Saudi Arabia, Russia, ., Monday's, China, Europe, Algeria, Saudi, OPEC, Seperately, Kazakhstan, London, Tokyo, Singapore

TOKYO/SINGAPORE, July 5 (Reuters) - Oil benchmark Brent fell on Wednesday, reversing some of the gains made after Saudi Arabia and Russia announced they would extend and deepen output cuts into August, as concerns over a global economic slowdown weighed on market sentiment. Brent was down 46 cents, or 0.6%, at $75.79 a barrel by 0704 GMT, after climbing $1.60 on Tuesday. Investors remained concerned about oil demand, however, after business surveys showed a slump in global factory activity because of sluggish demand in China and in Europe. "The trajectory of global oil stockpiles may soon become as relevant as OPEC+ supply cuts and macro headwinds given the International Energy Agency's outlook for a tightening oil market in H2 2023," analysts from Commonwealth Bank of Australia said in a note. Reporting by Yuka Obayashi in Tokyo and Muyu Xu in Singapore; Editing by Sonali Paul and Muralikumar AnantharamanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Brent, Tomomichi Akuta, Yuka Obayashi, Xu, Sonali Paul, Muralikumar Organizations: . West Texas, Mitsubishi UFJ Research, Consulting, Federal, Market, U.S, of, Petroleum, Investors, Traders, American Petroleum Institute, Reuters, International Energy, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Thomson Locations: TOKYO, SINGAPORE, Saudi Arabia, Russia, ., Monday's, U.S, United States, Europe, China, Algeria, OPEC, Tokyo, Singapore

☆ Brent oil set to notch first monthly gain this year on supply fears
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-30 | by ( Arathy Somasekhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

June 30 (Reuters) - Brent crude oil prices were little changed in early trading on Friday, but were set to notch their first monthly gain this year as a steep drawdown in oil stocks and OPEC+ plans to cut output outweighed demand fears stemming from rising interest rates. Brent crude futures for September delivery fell 19 cents, or 0.3%, to $74.32 at 0015 GMT. Both benchmarks settled marginally higher on Thursday and were on track to gain more than 2% for the month. That followed Saudi Arabia's plans to cut its output by 1 million barrels per day from July and a broader OPEC+ deal to limit supply into 2024. U.S. oil rig count data, an indicator of future supply, will also be released later in the day.

Persons: Jerome Powell, Yuka Obayashi, Leslie Adler Organizations: Brent, . West Texas, U.S . Energy Information Administration, Federal, Thomson Locations: Saudi, OPEC, U.S

☆ Oil ticks down on interest rate hike fears
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-29 | by ( Arathy Somasekhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Summary Rate hike expectations boost fears of slow economic growthWeak economic data in China weighs on sentimentHOUSTON, June 29 (Reuters) - Oil prices edged lower on Thursday, as fears that rising interest rates could dent global economic growth and crude demand offset a bigger-than-expected fall in U.S. inventories. Brent crude futures fell 38 cents, or 0.5%, to $73.66 a barrel by 1127 a.m. Investors were concerned about rising interest rates and economic growth after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reiterated that he expects the moderate pace of interest rate decisions to continue in the coming months. "Crude traders remain torn between rising interest rates with fears of a global recession against elevated travel demand and shrinking crude supplies," said Dennis Kissler, senior vice president of trading at BOK Financial. "The lack of prospects for fuel demand growth has limited the gain in oil prices, even with supply curbs by oil producers," said Tetsu Emori, CEO of Emori Fund Management Inc.

Persons: Jerome Powell, Dennis Kissler, Christine Lagarde, Tetsu Emori, Ahmad Ghaddar, Yuka Obayashi, Jason Neely, David Evans, Barbara Lewis, David Gregorio Our Organizations: Brent, . West Texas, U.S . Energy Information Administration, Investors, Federal Reserve, BOK Financial, European Central Bank, Emori Fund Management Inc, Thomson Locations: China, HOUSTON, European, Saudi Arabia, OPEC, London

TOKYO, June 29 (Reuters) - Oil prices eased on Thursday, paring some of the previous day's gains, as investors took profits on concerns that further interest rate hikes by central banks could dampen economic growth and global fuel demand. "The market turned around on renewed worries about further rate hikes in the U.S. and Europe, which will reduce global oil demand," said Hiroyuki Kikukawa, president of NS Trading, a unit of Nissan Securities. Leaders of the world's top central banks reaffirmed on Wednesday they think further policy tightening will be needed to tame stubbornly high inflation but still believe they can achieve that without triggering outright recessions. Adding to pressure, annual profits at industrial firms in China, the world's second-biggest oil consumer, extended a double-digit decline in the first five months as softening demand squeezed margins. Brent's six-month backwardation - a price structure whereby sooner-loading contracts trade at higher prices than later-loading ones - reached its lowest since December, indicating higher demand for immediate delivery.

Persons: paring, Hiroyuki Kikukawa, Jerome Powell, Christine Lagarde, Kikukawa, Yuka Obayashi, Sonali Paul Organizations: Brent, . West Texas, U.S . Energy Information Administration, NS, Nissan Securities, U.S . Federal, European Central Bank, Thomson Locations: TOKYO, U.S, Europe, China, United States

☆ Oil steadies after spiking on U.S. inventory fall
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-29 | by ( Ahmad Ghaddar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Brent crude futures was up 10 cents, or 0.1%, to $74.13 a barrel by 1032 GMT. Nonetheless, the impact that stocks have on oil prices was on display yesterday on a smaller scale," PVM Oil analyst Tamas Varga said. Concerns about the impact that rising interest rates will have on economic growth came back to the fore, however, halting the rally. Adding to pressure, annual profits at industrial firms in China, the world's second-biggest oil consumer, extended a double-digit decline in the first five months as softening demand squeezed margins. "The lack of prospects for fuel demand growth has limited the gain in oil prices, even with supply curbs by oil producers," said Tetsu Emori, CEO of Emori Fund Management Inc.

Persons: Tamas Varga, Jerome Powell, Christine Lagarde, Tetsu Emori, Yuka Obayashi, Jason Neely Organizations: Brent, . West Texas, U.S . Energy Information Administration, . Federal, European Central Bank, Emori Fund Management Inc, Thomson Locations: China, Saudi Arabia, OPEC

India's top solar power producing state Rajasthan has been getting "early warnings" of technical challenges that could arise as the use of renewables increases, a federal power ministry official said. "If proper tariff structures incentivising flexible thermal generation are not introduced, it could result in slower renewable energy adoption," he said. Reuters GraphicsSOLAR, PLUS COALGreen energy capacity in Asia grew 12% in 2022, the fastest rate among major regions, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency. However, authorities in India's sun-drenched Rajasthan state are finding it increasingly difficult to control voltage fluctuations due to the inconsistent nature of solar power output. "Many of these renewable plants are not actually able to comply with such requirements," the official said.

Persons: Rystad, Wood Mackenzie, Lauri Myllyvirta, Pablo Hevia, Koch, Hevia, Florence Tan, Yuka Obayashi, Andrew Hayley, Fransiska, Gopal Sharma, Mei Mei Chu, Joyce Lee, Tony Munroe, Jamie Freed Organizations: Engie, Centre for Research, Clean Energy, Air, Reuters, International Renewable Energy Agency, International Energy Agency, Thomson Locations: China, India, Asia, Wood Mackenzie SINGAPORE, Rajasthan, Pacific, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Singapore, Tokyo, Bangkok, Beijing, Jakarta, Khanh Vu, Hanoi, Kathmandu, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul

Companies United States of America FollowJune 13 (Reuters) - Oil prices traded up on Tuesday on bargain hunting, recovering some ground from the previous day's plunge, but gains were limited as investors remained cautious ahead of key policy decisions by the U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banks. Oil prices could fall further because of China's faltering economic recovery, he added, predicting WTI would trade in the range of $62.50 to $75 a barrel during the summer, but mainly below $70 a barrel. Most market participants expect the U.S. central bank to leave interest rates unchanged at its policy meeting. The Fed's rate hikes have strengthened the greenback, making dollar-denominated commodities more expensive for holders of other currencies and weighing on prices. "In our view, the latest fall in oil prices increases the probability Saudi Arabia will at least extend supply cuts currently in place for July," said National Australia Bank analysts in a note.

Persons: Tatsufumi Okoshi, Nomura's Okoshi, Yuka Obayashi, Emily Chow, Jamie Freed, Sonali Paul Organizations: U.S . Federal Reserve, . West Texas, Nomura Securities, European Central Bank, Bank of Japan, of Petroleum Exporting, International Energy Agency, National Australia Bank, Thomson Locations: States, America, Saudi Arabia, U.S, China, Saudi, Tokyo, Singapore

"Oil prices are expected to stay in a range of about 3 dollars above and below $70 for WTI in the near term," Satoru Yoshida, a commodity analyst with Rakuten Securities. Oil prices had risen early in the week following Saudi Arabia's pledge over the weekend for deep output cuts, but they pared gains after rising U.S. fuel stocks and weak Chinese export data. Yoshida said factors such as fears over tighter supply and higher demand as the United States enters driving season which could drive prices higher were being offset by worries over a slow pickup in China's fuel demand. "Crude prices didn't get any favours from China as their economic recovery has disappointed," OANDA analyst Edward Moya said. While a Reuters poll of economists showed the U.S. Federal Reserve could skip a rate hike at its June 13-14 meeting, the absence of similar signals from other major central banks was weighing on the oil demand outlook, Moya added.

Persons: Satoru Yoshida, Saudi Arabia's, Yoshida, Edward Moya, Moya, Yuka Obayashi, Shri Navaratnam Organizations: Saudi, Brent, U.S . West Texas, WTI, Rakuten Securities, U.S . Federal, Thomson Locations: SINGAPORE, United States, Iran, U.S, United, China

☆ Japan calls for power saving for Tokyo households, industries during summer
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

TOKYO, June 9 (Reuters) - The Japanese government on Friday called for households and industries around Tokyo to save electricity in July and August to ensure a stable power supply during the peak summer season, though it did not set any numerical targets. The country's power market is predicted to be less tight this summer in most of the regions than last summer when the government asked for energy conservation across the nation, according to the industry ministry's forecast in May. But the ministry has decided to ask for the power saving "within a reasonable range" during the two months in the areas, where power is supplied by the Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (9501.T), as the reserve ratio is estimated to be below 5%, close to the minimum 3% that ensures stable supply. The reserve capacity ratio below 3% risks power shortages and blackouts. Reporting by Yuka Obayashi; Editing by Stephen CoatesOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Yuka Obayashi, Stephen Coates Organizations: Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Ministry, Economy, Trade, Industry, Thomson Locations: TOKYO, Tokyo, Japan

"The Saudi cut lifted prices slightly, and then the chatter of the potential return of Iranian barrels saw a large drop. Oil prices had risen early in the week, buoyed by Saudi Arabia's pledge over the weekend to cut more output on top of the cuts agreed earlier with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies. However, a rise in U.S. fuel stocks and weak Chinese export data have weighed on the markets. Some analysts expect oil prices to rise if the U.S. Federal Reserve pauses hiking interest rates at its next meeting over June 13-14. The Fed's decision may also influence Saudi Arabia's next move, analysts said.

Persons: Brent, Giovanni Staunovo, Saudi Arabia's, Rob Haworth, Craig Erlam, Shariq Khan, Shadia Nasralla, Yuka Obayashi, Marguerita Choy, Richard Chang Organizations: Saudi, Brent, U.S . West Texas, Organization of, Petroleum, Northern, U.S, Bank Asset Management, U.S . Federal, Thomson Locations: China, BENGALURU, U.S, Iran, Saudi, US

☆ Oil prices rise as Saudi output cuts outweigh weak demand signals
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-07 | by ( Arathy Somasekhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

U.S. crude stocks fell by about 450,000, according to data from the Energy Information Administration, compared with estimates for a 1 million build. Diesel inventories rose by 5.1 million barrels, while markets had estimated a build of 1.33 million. Gasoline inventories also rose more-than-expected at 2.8 million barrels, compared with estimates for a build of 880,000 barrels. Wednesday's data also showed that crude oil imports into China, the world's largest oil importer, rose to their third-highest monthly level in May as refiners built up inventories. A weaker greenback helps demand as oil becomes cheaper for foreign buyers.

Persons: Dennis Kissler, refiners, Morgan, Arathy Somasekhar, Ahmad Ghaddar, Yuka Obayashi, Muyu Xu, David Goodman, Mark Potter, Bernadette Baum, Sharon Singleton Organizations: Brent, U.S, West Texas, Saudi, OPEC, BOK Financial, Energy Information Administration, Federal, Organisation for Economic Cooperation, Development, Thomson Locations: HOUSTON, Saudi, China, Houston, London

TOKYO, June 7 (Reuters) - Oil prices steadied on Wednesday after the previous session's losses, as demand concerns owing to slow global economic growth were offset by fears of tighter global supply following Saudi Arabia's pledge to deepen output cuts. Meanwhile, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Tuesday that U.S crude oil production this year will rise faster and demand increases will cool compared to prior expectations. A reduction in the U.S. crude stocks also lent support to the oil market, NS Trading's Kikukawa said. U.S. crude oil inventories fell by about 1.7 million barrels last week, while fuel inventories rose, according to market sources citing American Petroleum Institute figures on Tuesday. Analysts forecast U.S. energy firms added about 1.0 million barrels of crude into storage during the week ended June 2, according to a Reuters poll.

Persons: Saudi Arabia's, paring, Hiroyuki Kikukawa, Brent, Kikukawa, Yuka Obayashi, Shri Navaratnam Organizations: Saudi, Brent, U.S . West Texas, NS, Nissan Securities, Strategic Petroleum Reserve, Saudi Arabia's, Organization of, Petroleum, Citi, UBS, U.S . Energy Information Administration, American Petroleum Institute, Thomson Locations: TOKYO, U.S, United States, China, Russia, OPEC

☆ Heavy rains continue to hit Japan, suspending some trains
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Vehicles submerged under water following heavy rain brought about by Typhoon Mawar are pictured in Toyokawa, Aichi Prefecture, central Japan in this photo taken by Kyodo on June 3, 2023. Although Mawar has weakened from super typhoon status, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) urged people to be on high alert for landslides, rising rivers and flooding in eastern Japan, while warning of landslides in western Japan. Shinkansen bullet trains, suspended from Tokyo to Nagoya in central Japan since Friday, resumed operation around noon (0300 GMT) on Saturday, Kyodo news agency reported. From Friday through Saturday morning, heavy localised rain fell in many parts of Japan, marking the heaviest rainfall on record for June in some areas, Kyodo said. A man found in a car flooded by heavy rain in Toyohashi in central Japan was taken to the hospital, where he was later confirmed dead, Kyodo said.

Persons: Typhoon Mawar, Mawar, Kyodo, Yuka Obayashi, William Mallard Organizations: Kyodo, REUTERS, Japan Meteorological Agency, JMA, NHK, Thomson Locations: Toyokawa, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, REUTERS TOKYO, Tokyo, Nagoya, Mawar, Guam, Toyohashi

☆ Oil falls on weak China data, stronger U.S. dollar
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-31 | by ( Rowena Edwards | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Companies Saudi Arabian Oil Co FollowLONDON, May 31 (Reuters) - Oil prices fell by over 2% on Wednesday on a stronger U.S. dollar and as weak data from top oil importer China raised demand fears. Further pressure came as the U.S. dollar rose to its highest in over two months, making commodities more expensive for buyers holding other currencies and weighing on oil demand. Mixed signals by major OPEC+ producers on whether or not the group will decide to further cut oil production have sparked recent volatility in oil prices. HSBC said on Wednesday that stronger oil demand from China and the West from the summer onwards will bring about a supply deficit in the second half of the year. Separately, U.S. crude oil and gasoline stockpiles were seen falling last week, while distillate inventories likely increased, a preliminary Reuters poll showed on Tuesday.

Persons: Brent, Brent's, Stephen Brennock, Rowena Edwards, Trixie Yap, Stephanie Kelly, Yuka Obayashi, Mark Potter, David Evans Organizations: Saudi Arabian Oil, . West Texas, U.S, Federal Reserve, Organization of, Petroleum, HSBC, American Petroleum Institute, Thomson Locations: China, U.S, Russia, London, Singapore, New York, Tokyo

May 31 (Reuters) - Oil prices settled lower on Wednesday, pressured by a stronger U.S. dollar and weak data from top oil importer China that fed demand fears. A stronger dollar makes oil more expensive for buyers holding other currencies. U.S. data showed job openings unexpectedly rose in April, pointing to persistent strength in the labor market that could push the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates in June. HSBC said stronger oil demand from China and the West from the summer onwards will trigger a supply deficit in the second half. U.S. crude oil and gasoline stockpiles were seen falling last week, while distillate inventories likely increased, a preliminary Reuters poll showed on Tuesday.

Persons: Brent, Bob Yawger, Goldman Sachs, Stephen Brennock, Rowena Edwards, Trixie Yap, Stephanie Kelly, Yuka Obayashi, David Evans, Emelia, Lisa Shumaker, David Gregorio Our Organizations: . West Texas, Senate, Federal Reserve, Mizuho, Traders, Organization of, Petroleum, HSBC, Energy, American Petroleum Institute, Thomson Locations: China, U.S, Russia, London, Singapore, New York, Tokyo

TOKYO, May 30 (Reuters) - Oil prices rose on Tuesday as the expectations the debt ceiling deal in U.S., the world's biggest oil user, will spur more demand but fears of further interest rate rises and that OPEC+ will leave output quotas unchanged capped gains. U.S. President Joe Biden and House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy over the weekend forged an agreement to suspend the $31.4 trillion debt ceiling and cap government spending for the next two years. The U.S. House Rules Committee said it will meet on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the debt ceiling bill, which needs to pass a divided Congress before June 5. Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman last week warned short-sellers betting that oil prices will fall to "watch out," in a possible signal that OPEC+ may further cut output. In April, Saudi Arabia and other members of OPEC+ announced further oil output cuts of around 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd), bringing the total volume of cuts by OPEC+ to 3.66 million bpd, according to Reuters calculations.

☆ Air France flight turns back to Osaka after malfunction, Kyodo reports
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

TOKYO, May 28 (Reuters) - An Air France KLM SA (AIRF.PA) passenger plane flying from Osaka in western Japan to French capital Paris turned back on Sunday after weather radar and speed meters malfunctioned while flying over the Pacific Ocean, Kyodo news agency reported. None of the 324 passengers and crew were injured, but the aircraft's leading edge was damaged and the cause was being investigated, Kyodo said, citing the transport ministry's office at Kansai International Airport. Air France flight 291 took off from Kansai airport around 11:15 a.m. (0215 GMT). The Airbus SE (AIR.PA) A350 turned back about 35 minutes later and landed safely at the same airport at around 2:25 p.m. The Kansai airport office of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism did not answer telephone calls from Reuters seeking comment.

The April meeting of G7 climate ministers eventually agreed, despite tussles between Japan and European nations, that gas investments "can be appropriate to help address potential market shortfalls" following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the disruption it has caused in global energy markets. Saturday's G7 leaders statement at their summit in Japan's Hiroshima changed the language - eventually formulated by Germany, sources say - to include gas investments again, with the G7 saying it was "necessary to accelerate the phase-out of our dependency on Russian energy". DEFENDING THE STANCEGerman government officials rejected that criticism, saying investments are needed to get away from Russian gas and find a replacement. The G7 pledged to achieve a net-zero emissions goal by 2050 and to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Max Lawson, head of inequality policy at activist group Oxfam, said the G7 had maintained a loophole for new fossil gas investments using the Russian military conflict with Ukraine "as an excuse."

The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because of fears for their safety in a city under Russian occupation. But there is concern in the international community that the six-reactor nuclear plant, Europe's largest, could be caught up in fighting, particularly as military analysts expect Ukraine to try to push Russian forces back in Zaporizhzhia region. In April, Japan contributed 2 million euros to the U.N.'s watchdog to help its effort to secure the safety of Zaporizhzhia power plant. Kotin said Russian forces would have to retreat if it looked like that road was going to be cut off. He added that he believed Russian forces had already been conducting drills at the plant to practise pulling out.

Japan's insistence on continuing to rely on gas may delay reaching global climate change goals, especially as its energy companies reap large profits from their investments in the sector, climate activists say. "But I think Japanese companies will generally hesitate to be involved in gas projects in the future, especially those with long lead times. Japan's support for gas clashes with findings that new investments in gas, which is mainly composed of the greenhouse gas methane and produces CO2 emissions when burned for energy, would undermine climate goals. But, gas investments have been lucrative for Japan's energy companies resulting in record profits. But, Japan's stated intention to lower its carbon emissions may mean these gas investments carry some risk.

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