Summary: Oil prices are expected to continue rising due to tightening in the physical market, with a projected deficit of 2MMbbls/d in the second half of 2023, and forecasts of Brent averaging $86/bbl over 3Q23 and $92/bbl over 4Q23, while the medium sour crude market tightens, and concerns remain over Russian oil supply risks and global demand.
Crude oil prices are expected to continue consolidating just above the 200-Day EMA, with the 50-Day EMA below it, leading to questions about the market; the possibility of breaking above the shooting star formed on Monday could allow for a move towards $85, while breaking below the moving averages could result in a drop to $75 due to noise from OPEC countries cutting production. The Brent markets also show signs of negativity but are supported by the 200-Day EMA and the 50-Day EMA, with potential to reach the $90 region; attention should also be given to the US dollar's influence on the market.
The price of Brent crude oil hitting triple digits this year is debatable, with some experts believing it is unlikely due to macro factors and demand concerns, while others predict it could reach $100 per barrel if certain conditions are met, such as consistent OECD crude and product stock draws and OPEC adherence to production cuts.
Oil prices edge higher in an uncertain market as US crude futures rise 0.1% to $78.94 a barrel, despite a 2% drop for the week, due to production cuts by major oil producers and a mixed US economy.
Oil prices rose over 1% as the dollar strengthened ahead of a speech by the head of the U.S. Federal Reserve for clues on interest rates, with Brent crude reaching $84.29 a barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude at $79.92, while a strong dollar and recent inventory draws affected demand and supply.
A group of oil analysts and economists have raised their 2023 oil price forecasts, predicting Brent crude will average $82.45 a barrel and that Saudi Arabia is likely to extend its voluntary oil supply cut into October.
Crude oil prices remain high, supported by production cuts and a decrease in inventory, while the WTI futures contract reached a 10-month peak at $86.09 and the Brent contract traded above $89 for the first time since January.
Oil prices jumped over 2.5% after OPEC+ members extended supply reductions, with Brent International topping $90 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate hovering above $87 per barrel, as Saudi Arabia announced an extension of its production cut and Russia reduced its exports. Despite slow recovery and increased production, crude futures have rallied more than 25% since late June, with experts predicting prices to continue rising unless a recession occurs. China's demand for petrochemicals has been dampened, but their mobility demand post-lockdowns has offset this.
Oil prices ease in Asian trade due to economic concerns in China impacting fuel demand, but Brent remains above $90 a barrel supported by supply cuts from Saudi Arabia and Russia.
The OPEC+ decision to cut production is putting inflationary pressure on the US and its allies, while China's encouragement of higher oil and gas prices may have negative economic consequences for the country. The short-term steady equilibrium price for Brent is projected to be around $80-85 per barrel, with a ceiling of $95 per barrel.
Global oil prices continue to soar, with Brent crude nearing $95 per barrel and some crude grades surpassing $100, driven by tight supply, excess demand, and production cut extensions by Saudi Arabia and Russia.
Rising oil prices, closing in on $100 a barrel, pose a threat to the Federal Reserve's efforts to combat inflation, as higher oil prices can drive up the cost of gasoline and other crude-related products and squeeze the Consumer Prices Index higher.
Oil prices reaching $95 per barrel, the highest level since November 2022, pose a setback for Rishi Sunak's goal of halving inflation, with analysts predicting a 7.1% rise in consumer prices in August due to petrol price increases, adding to inflationary pressures and potentially influencing the Bank of England's interest rate decision.
Oil industry analysts have raised their price forecasts for 2023, with most expecting Brent Crude to average $84.09 per barrel, but few foresee sustained $100 oil due to an artificially tightened market and uncertain global economic outlook.
Crude futures fall over 2% as the conflict between Israel and Hamas shows no sign of spreading to Iran, while a hotter-than-expected Producer Price Index inflation print also contributes to the decline in oil prices.
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