empty
21.12.2023 06:44 AM
Oil prices are falling due to increasing inventories in the US: what to expect from demand?

This image is no longer relevant

According to the data, Brent crude oil futures dropped by 0.8%, reaching $79.05 per barrel by 01:20 GMT, while the American West Texas Intermediate fell by 0.7%, trading at $73.67 per barrel.

The previous day saw oil prices rise due to concerns about potential trade issues as major maritime carriers opted to steer clear of routes through the Red Sea, resulting in increased transportation and insurance costs.

However, activity in the oil and gas industry remained almost unchanged in the fourth quarter, as per a survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. This led to diminished optimism amid escalating uncertainty.

Economist Kunal Patel from the Bank highlighted that declining average oil prices and questions regarding OPEC's ability to influence these prices became key factors contributing to the uncertainty.

According to senior economist at the NLI research institute, Tsuyoshi Ueno, the significance of the Red Sea to the market remains limited until oil flows into the Strait of Hormuz.

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a 2.9 million barrel increase in US crude inventories for the week ending December 15, surpassing analysts' expectations. Concurrently, US oil production set a new record at 13.3 million barrels per day.

It's important to note that approximately 12% of global traffic passes through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Nonetheless, its impact on oil supplies is limited for now, as the majority of Middle Eastern oil exports transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

"At this stage, given the absence of additional production cuts from OPEC+ this year, it is likely that oil prices will remain near current levels until the end of the year. Attention will focus on key economic statistics and the US dollar's reaction to them," noted Naohiro Niimura, a partner at Market Risk Advisory, a research and consulting firm.

He predicts WTI prices will fluctuate between $70 and $75 this month.

The coalition led by the US, setting price limits on Russian oil transported by sea, announced changes in compliance with requirements on Wednesday. The Finance Ministry believes these changes will make it difficult for Russian exporters to bypass the set limitations.

According to the latest Energy Information Administration figures released on Wednesday, total US oil production hit a record level of 13.3 million barrels per day.

Thomas Frank,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

Supply risks fuel oil, Asia gains, dollar stays afloat

Asian stock markets rise on Friday Oil hovers near 4-1/2-month peak on supply shock risks Dollar resilient on safe-haven demand despite mixed signals from Fed Swiss franc steady after

Thomas Frank 10:55 2025-06-20 UTC+2

Investors confused: data weak, policy hawkish, hopes pinned on bonds

Treasury yields pared earlier losses after Fed Chair Powell's remarks. Middle East tensions linger as Iranian leader rebuffs Trump's surrender demands. Swiss National Bank cuts rates to zero. Stora Enso

14:05 2025-06-19 UTC+2

Investors are confused: data is weak, policy is aggressive, hope is in bonds

Treasury yields pare previous losses after Fed Chairman Powell's speech Middle East concerns remain Iranian leader rejects Trump's demand for capitulation Swiss National Bank cuts interest rates to zero Stora

Thomas Frank 13:58 2025-06-19 UTC+2

Crypto market unaffected by Fed's policy decision. Bitcoin adamant to hit $205,000 by year end

Following yesterday's Federal Reserve meeting, where the central bank kept its benchmark rate unchanged, markets showed little reaction. Stock indices remained within their current ranges, and Bitcoin avoided sharp price

Larisa Kolesnikova 10:45 2025-06-19 UTC+2

Bitcoin still immune to geopolitical tensions, but military conflicts could rattle crypto market

According to analysts, the ongoing military conflict between Israel and Iran could have a significant impact on the digital asset space. In case of a negative outcome, the crypto market

Larisa Kolesnikova 14:08 2025-06-18 UTC+2

Futures trading with gains while markets in limbo. Market participants respond to Fed's signals and geopolitics

Futures contracts rise: Dow +0.21%, S&P 500 +0.28%, and Nasdaq +0.35%. Markets await Fed's policy decision. Swedish central bank cuts interest rate. Airbus lifts dividend target, boosting shares. Gerresheimer jumps

13:47 2025-06-18 UTC+2

Futures up as world on edge: Markets react to Fed cues, geopolitics

Futures up: Dow 0.21%, S&P 500 0.28%, Nasdaq 0.35% Fed policy decision expected; Sweden cuts interest rates Airbus raises dividend target, boosts shares Gerresheimer gains on potential takeover talks with

Thomas Frank 13:45 2025-06-18 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for June 17

Tensions in the US stock market are rising as the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies. Analysts warn that a potential full-scale war could trigger a 20% drop

Ekaterina Kiseleva 13:25 2025-06-17 UTC+2

Bitcoin bulls and bears engaged in tug-of-war. BTC barely reacts to US inflation

Currently, the flagship cryptocurrency is aiming for new highs, but it is still facing obstacles along the way. The latest challenge comes from the ongoing battle between bulls and bears

Larisa Kolesnikova 16:51 2025-06-16 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for June 16

US equity indices ended Friday's session in the red as escalating tensions between Israel and Iran drove oil prices higher and fueled market uncertainty. The S&P 500 fell by 1.13%

Ekaterina Kiseleva 13:50 2025-06-16 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.