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☆ Oil prices firm on upbeat demand growth forecasts
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-11 | by ( Ahmad Ghaddar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A 3D-printed oil pump jack is seen in front of displayed OPEC logo in this illustration picture, April 14, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/File PhotoSummary IEA says tighter inventories could push prices higherOPEC flags healthy oil market fundamentals in second halfU.S. consumer prices rise moderately in JulyLONDON, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Oil prices gained ground on Friday amid optimistic demand forecasts from the OPEC producer group and the International Energy Agency (IEA). The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on Thursday said it expects global oil demand to rise by 2.25 million bpd in 2024, compared with growth of 2.44 million bpd this year. In 2024 "solid" economic growth amid continued improvements in China is expected to boost oil consumption, it added. Data this week also showed China's consumer prices fell into deflation and factory gate prices extended declines in July, raising concerns about fuel demand in the world's second-largest economy.

Persons: Dado, Brent, Tamas Varga, Ahmad Ghaddar, Andrew Hayley, David Goodman, Jason Neely Organizations: REUTERS, International Energy Agency, West Texas, of, Petroleum, Thursday's U.S, Federal Reserve, Thomson Locations: OPEC, China, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Ukraine, June's, Beijing

A stronger dollar makes crude more expensive for investors holding other currencies. PVM analyst Tamas Varga noted that for months, predictions have been made that global oil demand will grow in the second half of 2023 versus the first half, in tandem with supply cuts to reduce global oil inventories. The latest figures from the U.S.- the world's biggest fuel consumer - showed fuel demand rose the highest level since August 2019. A Reuters poll also estimated U.S. crude oil and gasoline stockpiles were expected to have declined last week. In a conference on Monday, BP (BP.L) chief Bernard Looney presaged oil demand growth continuing into next year and OPEC+ being increasingly disciplined.

Persons: Johan Sverdrup, Carina Johansen, NTB, Brent, Dennis Kissler, Tamas Varga, group's, Bernard Looney, Arathy somasekhar, Natalie Grover, Emily Chow, Christian Schmollinger, Sonali Paul, David Evans, Nick Macfie, Jan Harvey Organizations: Reuters Connect, HOUSTON, Brent, . West Texas, BOK, Reuters, Thomson Locations: North, ., U.S, OPEC, Saudi Arabia, Houston, London, Singapore

Bolstered by supply cuts from the OPEC+ alliance announced earlier this month, both oil benchmarks gained nearly 5% for the week - a fifth straight week of gains. The benchmarks are on track to gain over 13% for the month. In an interview on Friday, Exxon Mobil (XOM.N) chief Darren Woods said he expected record oil demand this year and next. On the supply side, U.S. oil rigs fell by one to 529 this week, their lowest since March 2022, energy services firm Baker Hughes (BKR.O) said on Friday. Saudi Arabia is expected to extend the voluntary oil output cut for another month to include September, five analysts said, to provide additional support for the oil market.

Persons: Brent, Phil Flynn, Jerome Powell's, Tamas Varga, Darren Woods, Baker Hughes, Stephanie Kelly, Natalie Grover, Laura Sanicola, Andrew Hayley, Deepa Babington, Kirsten Donovan Organizations: drillers, U.S . Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, U.S, West Texas, Price Futures, Federal, Exxon Mobil, Thomson Locations: France, Spain, China, OPEC, United States, U.S, Saudi, Saudi Arabia, New York, London, Washington, Beijing

July 12 (Reuters) - Oil prices settled higher on Wednesday, with benchmark Brent futures breaching $80 a barrel for the first time since May, after U.S. inflation data spurred hopes the Federal Reserve may have fewer interest rate hikes in store for the world's biggest economy. U.S. data showed consumer prices rose modestly in June and registered their smallest annual increase in more than two years. Markets expect one more interest rate rise, but oil traders hope that may be it. Brent futures settled up 71 cents, or 0.9%, to $80.11 a barrel. Forecasts from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) point to the market tightening into 2024.

Persons: Naeem Aslam, Brent, Tamas Varga, Phil Flynn, Natalie Grover, Trixie Yap, Sonali Paul, Barbara Lewis, Emelia, David Gregorio Our Organizations: Zaye, . West Texas, U.S . Energy Information Administration, International Energy Agency, IEA, Saudi, U.S . Energy, Administration, Price Futures, Thomson Locations: China, Saudi Arabia, Russia, U.S, London

☆ Oil prices steady as supply cuts counter economic headwinds
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-11 | by ( Natalie Grover | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Supply cuts by top exporters Saudi Arabia and Russia for August helped to lift the benchmark prices, which were also supported by the U.S. dollar hitting a two-month low. A weaker dollar makes crude cheaper for holders of other currencies and often boosts oil demand. Anxiety is still palpable that recession fears could lead to downgrades in oil demand," said PVM analyst Tamas Varga. Seperately on Tuesday several sources told Reuters that top buyer China again requested less supply from the world's biggest oil exporter, Saudi Aramco (2222.SE). Meanwhile, the secretary general of OPEC on Tuesday told a Nigerian oil and gas conference that global energy demand is forecast to rise 23% by the end of 2045.

Persons: Brent, Edward Moya, Tamas Varga, Seperately, Natalie Grover, Arathy Somasekhar, Jason Neely, David Goodman Organizations: Saudi, . West Texas, U.S, U.S . Federal, International Energy Agency, Reuters, China, OPEC, Tuesday, Thomson Locations: Russian, Saudi Arabia, Russia, U.S, China, Saudi Aramco, Nigerian, London

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ Oil prices rise 2% as market weighs supply cuts against economic outlook
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-04 | by ( Natalie Grover | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

LONDON, July 4 (Reuters) - Oil prices climbed 2% on Tuesday as markets weighed August supply cuts by top exporters Saudi Arabia and Russia against a weak global economic outlook. The total cuts now stand at more than 5 million bpd, or 5% of global oil output. "Clearly, the Saudis are taking proactive and pre-emptive steps to stabilize the price of crude oil as well as see gains to reach $80 a barrel to sustain their domestic budgets," said Andrew Lipow, president of Houston-based Lipow Oil Associates. Even so, the market will wait to verify Russia's announced cuts, and concerns continue that high interest rates will weigh on global demand, Lipow said. Oil benchmarks settled about 1% down in the previous session, as a gloomy macroeconomic outlook served to erase early gains.

Persons: Tamas Varga, Andrew Lipow, Russia's, Lipow, Craig Erlam, Natalie Grover, Rod Nickel, Arathy Somasekhar, Trixie Yap, Mark Potter, Alexander Smith, David Goodman, Bill Berkrot Organizations: Brent, . West Texas, Houston, Lipow Oil Associates, Independence, International Energy Agency, Thomson Locations: Saudi Arabia, Russia, Algeria, OPEC, China, Europe, U.S, London, Winnipeg , Manitoba, Houston, Singapore

☆ Oil up as market weighs supply cuts against gloomy economic outlook
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-04 | by ( Natalie Grover | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON, July 4 (Reuters) - Oil prices ticked higher on Tuesday as markets weighed supply cuts for August by top exporters Saudi Arabia and Russia against a weak global economic outlook. However, oil benchmarks settled down about 1% in the previous session, after an initial rally, on the back of a gloomy macroeconomic outlook. Tuesday morning trade suggests little has changed in oil dynamics despite Monday's announcements, Craig Erlam, OANDA analyst told Reuters. Even before these new cut announcements, International Energy Agency (IEA) data suggested the oil market was set to show a supply deficit of roughly 2 million bpd in the third and fourth quarters, noted Commerzbank analysts. Still, oil prices did not jump significantly on the news, largely due to demand concerns, particularly given sluggish economic recovery in China following the lifting of coronavirus restrictions.

Persons: Tamas Varga, Craig Erlam, Natalie Grover, Arathy Somasekhar, Trixie Yap, Mark Potter, Alexander Smith Organizations: Brent, . West Texas, Reuters, International Energy Agency, Independence, Thomson Locations: Saudi Arabia, Russia, Algeria, OPEC, China, Europe, U.S, London, Houston, Singapore

☆ Explainer: Why are OPEC+ supply cuts failing to boost oil prices?
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Members Saudi Arabia and Russia, the world's biggest oil exporters, deepened oil supply cuts on Monday in an effort to send prices higher. Here are the main reasons why OPEC+ output cuts are failing to significantly lift oil prices:CONCERNS ABOUT WEAK DEMANDData from China has sparked fears that the economic recovery from coronavirus lockdowns in the world's second-largest oil consumer is losing steam. The Energy Information Administration projects U.S. crude oil production will climb by 720,000 bpd to 12.61 million bpd this year, above a prior forecast increase of 640,000 bpd. This compares with around 10 million bpd as recently as 2018. LESS BULLISHIn 2020, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman warned traders against betting heavily in the oil market, saying those who gamble on the oil price would be "ouching like hell".

Persons: Brent, Carsten Fritsch, Tamas Varga, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, pare, Ole Hansen, Maha El Dahan, Ahmad Ghaddar, Mark Potter Organizations: of, Petroleum, Eurasia Group, U.S . Federal Reserve, International Energy Agency, OPEC, Energy Information Administration, Saudi Energy, Saxo Bank, Thomson Locations: DUBAI, LONDON, OPEC, Russia, Saudi Arabia, China, Japan, U.S, Eurasia, WTI

Brent crude futures settled down 1%, or 76 cents, at $74.65 a barrel while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude settled down 1.2%, or 85 cents, to $69.79. Saudi Arabia on Monday said it would extend its voluntary cut of one million barrels per day (bpd) for another month to include August, the state news agency said. "Oil is facing serious economic headwinds and the market is trying to make sense of what additional crude cuts mean in that context," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital LLC in New York. Russia, seeking to tighten global crude supplies and boost prices in concert with Saudi Arabia, will reduce oil exports by 500,000 bpd in August, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said. The cuts amount to 1.5% of global supply and bring the total pledged by OPEC+ oil producers to 5.16 million bpd.

Persons: Brent, John Kilduff, Alexander Novak, Tamas Varga, Alex Lawler, Natalie Grover, Florence Tan, Emily Chow, Jason Neely, David Goodman, David Gregorio Our Organizations: West Texas, OPEC, Thomson Locations: Saudi Arabia, Russia, Europe, China, New York, Riyadh, Moscow, London, Singapore

SummarySummary Companies Saudi Arabia extends production cuts through AugustRussia to cuts August exports by 500,000 bpdGloomy factory activity last month in Europe, China limits gainsJuly 3 (Reuters) - Oil prices rose on Monday after top exporters Saudi Arabia and Russia announced supply cuts for August, prompting prices to bounce of early losses spurred by worries about a slowing global economy and possible U.S. interest-rate hikes. Saudi Arabia on Monday said it would extend its voluntary cut of one million barrels per day (bpd) for another month to include August, the state news agency said. Brent crude futures were up 0.6%, or 43 cents, at $75.84 a barrel by 11:52 a.m. EDT (1652 GMT) U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose 0.6%, or 39 cents, to $71.03. Russia, seeking to tighten global crude supplies and boost prices in concert with Saudi Arabia, will reduce oil exports by 500,000 bpd in August, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said. The cuts amount to 1.5% of global supply and bring the total pledged by OPEC+ oil producers to 5.16 million bpd.

Persons: Brent, John Kilduff, Alexander Novak, Tamas Varga, Alex Lawler, Natalie Grover, Florence Tan, Emily Chow, Jason Neely, David Goodman, David Gregorio Our Organizations: Brent, West Texas, OPEC, Thomson Locations: Saudi Arabia, Russia, Europe, China, U.S, New York, Riyadh, Moscow, London, Singapore

SummarySummary Companies Saudi Arabia extends production cuts through AugustRussia to cuts August exports by 500,000 bpdGloomy European PMI data limits gainsLONDON, July 3 (Reuters) - Oil rose on Monday after top exporters Saudi Arabia and Russia announced supply cuts for August, overshadowing concern over a global economic slowdown and the potential for further increases to U.S. interest rates. Saudi Arabia on Monday said it would extend its voluntary cut of one million barrels per day (bpd) for another month to include August, the state news agency said. Russia, seeking to nudge up global oil prices in concert with Saudi Arabia, will reduce its oil exports by 500,000 bpd in August, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Monday, further tightening global supplies. The cuts amount to 1.5% of global supply and bring the total pledged by OPEC+ oil producers to 5.16 million bpd. Brent has dropped from $113 a barrel a year ago, sent lower by concerns of an economic slowdown and ample supplies from major producers.

Persons: Alexander Novak, Brent, Tamas Varga, Prices, Alex Lawler, Natalie Grover, Florence Tan, Emily Chow, Jason Neely, David Goodman Organizations: OPEC, . West Texas, Thomson Locations: Saudi Arabia, Russia, Riyadh, Moscow, China, Europe, London, Singapore

Fears of a further slowdown hurting fuel demand grew after data on Friday showed U.S. inflation still outpacing the central bank's 2% target and stoked expectations it would hike interest rates again. Brent crude futures were down 4 cents to $75.37 a barrel by 0800 GMT after settling up 0.8% on Friday. "Hawkish commentary on rates continues to raise concerns of the demand outlook weighing on prices," National Australia Bank analysts said in a note. Higher interest rates could strengthen the greenback, making commodities more expensive for holders of other currencies, and also dampen oil demand. Oil demand is set to jump to its highest level ever in the second half of the year," PVM analyst Tamas Varga said.

Persons: Brent, WTI, Tamas Varga, Alex Lawler, Natalie Grover, Florence Tan, Emily Chow, Sonali Paul, David Evans Organizations: PMI, U.S . Federal, Brent, . West Texas, National Australia Bank, P Global, Saudi, Petroleum Reserve, Thomson Locations: China, Saudi, U.S, Saudi Arabia, London, Singapore

☆ 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

☆ Oil pares gains as rate hike fears offset US inventory drop
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-28 | by ( Alex Lawler | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Benchmark Brent crude prices are down more than 15% this year as rising interest rates hit investor appetite, while China's economic recovery has faltered after several months of softer-than-expected consumption and other data. "For now, the market remains stuck with demand concerns weighing," said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank. "Overall, the commodity sector, including crude oil, is suffering from risk adversity amid China growth worries and U.S. data strength pointing to higher rates," he said. The Energy Information Administration's official supply report is due out at 1430 GMT. Higher interest rates can weigh on economic activity and oil demand.

Persons: Brent, Ole Hansen, Oil, Christine Lagarde, Tamas Varga, Mohi Narayan, Jason Neely, David Evans Organizations: Oil, Brent, U.S, West Texas, Saxo Bank, American Petroleum Institute, Energy, European Central Bank, ECB, PVM, Saudi, Thomson Locations: contango, China

Oanda analyst Craig Erlam said prices were mainly at the mercy of "the ever-changing expectations for interest rates". European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said on Tuesday that stubbornly high inflation will require the bank to avoid declaring an end to rate hikes. Higher interest rates can weigh on economic activity and oil demand. But the upbeat data suggested the Federal Reserve will likely have to continue raising interest rates to slow demand in the overall economy. The U.S. central bank, which has raised its policy rate by 500 basis points since March 2022, signaled this month that two additional rate hikes were warranted this year.

Persons: Brent, Craig Erlam, Christine Lagarde, Phil Flynn, Wagner, PVM's Tamas Varga, Saudi Arabia's, Li Qiang, Stephanie Kelly, Shadia Nasralla, Trixie Yap, Jan Harvey, David Goodman, Ed Osmond, Deepa Babington, Mark Heinrich Our Organizations: Brent, . West Texas, European Central Bank, Price Futures, Reserve, American Petroleum Institute, Reuters, Saudi, Thomson Locations: contango, Europe, United States, U.S, Russia, China

SummarySummary Companies Oil price structure implies demand bulls are retreating2-mth Brent spread in contango, implying oversupply concernECB poised for further rate hikesLONDON, June 27 (Reuters) - Oil prices slipped on Tuesday ahead of data shedding light on U.S. appetite for fuel during the summer driving season, with the Brent benchmark's price structure indicating bulls are retreating. U.S. inventory data from the American Petroleum Institute industry group is expected after 2000 GMT, followed by government data on Wednesday. For the two-month spread , the market is in shallow contango, the opposite price structure, indicating traders are factoring in a currently slightly oversupplied market. The oil market has shrugged off a clash between Moscow and Russian mercenary group Wagner which was averted on Saturday. Russian oil loadings have kept on schedule.

Persons: Brent, Craig Erlam, Christine Lagarde, Wagner, PVM's Tamas Varga, Saudi Arabia's, Premier Li Qiang, Trixie Yap, Jan Harvey, Louise Heavens Organizations: Brent, U.S, West Texas, Central Bank, American Petroleum Institute, Reuters, Saudi, Premier, Thomson Locations: contango, U.S, Moscow, Russian, China

Companies NK Rosneft' PAO FollowJune 19 (Reuters) - Oil prices fell on Monday as questions over China's economy outweighed OPEC+ output cuts and the seventh straight drop in the number of oil and gas rigs operating in the United States. "(China's) economy is navigating through powerful headwinds," said PVM oil analyst Tamas Varga. In recent weeks global road traffic has been declining, said Jorge Leon, Rystad Energy's senior vice president, which may also point to slowing growth and drag on oil prices. Iran's crude exports and oil output have hit record highs in 2023 despite U.S. sanctions, according to consultants, shipping data and a source close to the matter, adding to global supply when other producers are limiting output. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies including Russia this month agreed on a new oil output deal and the group's biggest producer, Saudi Arabia, also pledged to make a deep cut to its output in July.

Persons: Brent, Tamas Varga, Jorge Leon, Rystad Energy's, Leon, Nia Williams, Ahmad Ghaddar, Katya Golubkova, Emily Chow, David Goodman, Kirsten Donovan Organizations: NK Rosneft, West Texas, of, Petroleum, Thomson Locations: United States, U.S, China, Europe, Russia, Saudi Arabia, British Columbia, London, Tokyo, Singapore

☆ Oil falls on China growth uncertainties
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-19 | by ( Ahmad Ghaddar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Companies NK Rosneft' PAO FollowLONDON, June 19 (Reuters) - Oil prices fell on Monday as questions over China's economy outweighed OPEC+ output cuts and the seventh straight drop in the number of oil and gas rigs operating in the United States. Brent crude fell 17 cents, or 0.2%, to $76.44 a barrel by 0944 GMT while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude lost 31 cents, or 0.4%, to $71.47. "(China's) economy is navigating through powerful headwinds," said PVM oil analyst Tamas Varga. The oil and gas rig count, an early indicator of future output, fell by eight to 687 in the week to June 16 for the lowest total since April 2022. , , . Iran's crude exports and oil output have hit record highs in 2023 despite U.S. sanctions, according to consultants, shipping data and a source close to the matter, adding to global supply when other producers are limiting output.

Persons: Brent, Tamas Varga, Ahmad Ghaddar, Katya Golubkova, Emily Chow, David Goodman Organizations: NK Rosneft, West Texas, Reuters, of, Petroleum, Thomson Locations: United States, China, U.S, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tokyo, Singapore

☆ Oil falls as economic fears overshadow Saudi output cut
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-06 | by ( Rowena Edwards | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Brent crude futures were down $1.50, or 1.96%, to $75.21 a barrel by 1046 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude fell $1.47, or 2.04%, to $70.68 a barrel. Backwardation in Brent crude oil futures — where the current value is higher than in later months — steepened after the weekend announcement with the six-month spread hitting a five-week high of $2.20/bbl on Monday. The U.S. services sector barely grew in May as new orders slowed, and market participants are waiting to see if the U.S. Federal Reserve will hike or hold interest rates in June. Higher interest rates could curb energy demand.

Persons: Brent, Backwardation, — steepened, Ole Hansen, Tamas Varga, PVM, Rowena Edwards, Arathy Somasekhar, Trixie Yap, Sriraj Kalluvila, Jason Neely Organizations: EIA, LONDON, Saudi, Brent, . West Texas, Citi, bbl, PMI, Saxo Bank, The, U.S . Federal, U.S . Energy Information Administration, Thomson Locations: Saudi Arabia, OPEC, U.S, Europe, China, Brent, The U.S, London, Houston, Singapore

☆ Analysis: Saudi Arabia's 'icing on the cake' oil cut could feed US producers
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-05 | by ( Dmitry Zhdannikov | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

With the new Saudi reduction, the group has agreed to take some 4.6 million bpd off the market in July, equivalent to 4.6% of global demand of 100 million bpd. OPEC+ also agreed on Sunday to extend the group's existing supply cuts of 3.66 million bpd into 2024. In response, oil prices rose nearly $2 a barrel early on Monday to $78 per barrel . "This market needs stabilisation," Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said on Sunday, calling his surprise decision to deepen Saudi production cuts "the icing on the cake" for the deal. So far this year, a weakening global economy, concern about the U.S. banking crisis, and a slow Chinese recovery from COVID-19 restrictions have capped oil prices.

Persons: Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Prince Abdulaziz, Natasha Kaneva, Morgan, Tamas Varga, Jorge Leon, Sunday's, JPM, Kaneva, Alex Lawler, Ahmad Ghaddar, el, Dmitry Zhdannikov, Simon Webb, Barbara Lewis Organizations: Saudi Energy, OPEC, White, International Energy Agency, Rystad Energy, United, Thomson Locations: Saudi, Saudi Arabia, OPEC, U.S, Russia, Ukraine, Riyadh, United States, States, COVID, Angola, Nigeria, United Arab Emirates

U.S. Federal Reserve officials on Wednesday suggested interest rates could be kept on hold this month and the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill suspending the government's debt ceiling, improving the chance of averting a disastrous default. "Oil markets may have been oversold in the last two trading days," said CMC Markets analyst Tina Teng. "Sentiment rebounded amid the debt bill's passage in the House and (the) Fed's rate hike pause signal." Mixed demand indications from China, the world's biggest oil importer, have nonetheless weighed on the market, as has industry data showing a rise in U.S. crude inventories. Market sources citing American Petroleum Institute (API) figures on Wednesday said that U.S. crude inventories rose by about 5.2 million barrels last week.

Persons: Tina Teng, Tamas Varga, Alex Lawler, Rowena Edwards, Arathy Somasekhar, Andrew Hayley, David Goodman Organizations: Representatives U.S, U.S . Federal, U.S . House, Brent, West Texas, American Petroleum Institute, of, Petroleum, Reuters, Thomson Locations: China, OPEC, Russia, London, Houston, Beijing

☆ Explainer: Why is OPEC+ cutting oil output?
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

A global recession could lead to lower oil prices. Oil prices have also come under pressure from concerns about the U.S. debt ceiling negotiations and fears of a debt default in the world's biggest oil consumer. Surprise production cutsPUNISHING SPECULATORSThe cut will also punish oil short sellers or those who bet on oil price declines. The United States, which released most stocks, said it would buy back some oil in 2023, but later ruled it out. OPEC observers also say the group needs nominal oil prices to be higher because of money printing by the West in recent years has lowered the value of the U.S. dollar.

Persons: Brent, Alexander Novak, PVM Oil's Tamas Varga, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Saxo Bank's Ole Hansen, Joe Biden's, Ahmad Ghaddar, Dmitry Zhdannikov, Barbara Lewis Organizations: OPEC, Saudi Energy, Standard Chartered, International Energy Agency, West, U.S ., Thomson Locations: Russia, Vienna, OPEC, Saudi Arabia, Russian, Brent, Washington, Ukraine, United States, U.S

☆ Oil stable after smaller ECB hike, demand woes linger
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( Rowena Edwards | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Brent futures were up 28 cents, or 0.39%, to $72.61 a barrel at 1228 GMT. The European Central Bank (ECB) eased the pace of its interest rate hikes on Thursday and kept its options open on future moves as it continues its fight against stubbornly high inflation in the euro zone. The 25-basis-point increase to the ECB's three policy rates was the smallest since it started lifting them last summer. "Today's decision signals that the ECB has entered the final stage of its current tightening cycle," ING said in a note. Prices have plunged this week on concerns about the U.S. economy and signs of weak manufacturing growth in the world's largest oil importer China, sliding further after the U.S. Federal Reserve raised interest rates on Wednesday.

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