Oil prices rally as demand outlook increases

Oil rallied on Thursday, with WTI climbing above $116 per barrel for the first time in two months. If the WTI price drops again, support can be found at the $94.5 per barrel level and further down at the $90 per barrel level, while resistance can be found near $118.3 per barrel. 

The oil demand outlook increased on Thursday, as the extended Covid lockdown in Shanghai is about to end. In addition, Energy Information Administration data released on Wednesday showed that crude oil inventories fell by about 1  million barrels last week, further boosting oil prices.

On Tuesday, the Biden administration stated that they do not rule out restricting US oil exports to combat tight supply, driving oil prices up. US banns on oil and gas imports from Russia support oil price, with as many as 3 million barrels per day of Russian crude oil removed from the market. In addition, US officials have recently stated that the Biden administration is preparing new sanctions on Russian oil imports that aim to cripple the Russian economy. If implemented, such bans have the potential to drive oil prices further up.

Last week, the EU announced plans for ending its dependency on Russian oil imports within 5 years, boosting oil prices. EU members though have made little headway in deciding on a more immediate ban on Russian oil imports. The EU is hesitant to cut off Russian oil imports abruptly, as most EU members are in favor of gradually weaning off Russian oil imports. EU’s Russian oil sanctions have stalled though, as some EU member states, such as Hungary, oppose the ban and are vetoing the plan. 

Stalling global economic growth and lockdowns in China have reduced oil demand. China is the largest importer of crude oil and Covid lockdowns have dampened oil demand, pushing prices down. As Covid cases are starting to fall in China, however, fears of prolonged lockdown ease, drive oil prices back up. Health authorities in China have signaled that lockdown restrictions in Shanghai will end on June 1st. Covid lockdowns in Beijing are becoming stricter though, pushing down oil demand. Recession fears are also on the rise, as IMF director Kristalina Georgieva warned on Monday that recession is possible, even for major economies.

TRADE WTI

The content provided in this material and/or any other material that this content is referred to, whether it comes from a third party or not, is for information purposes only and shall not be considered as a recommendation and/or investment advice and/or investment research and/or suggestions for performing any actions with financial products or instruments, or to participate in any particular trading strategy and cannot guarantee any profits. Past performance does not constitute a reliable indicator of future results. TopFX does not represent that the material provided here is accurate, current, or complete and therefore shouldn't be relied upon as such. This material does not take into account the reader's financial situation or investment objectives. We advise any readers of this content to seek their own advice. Without the approval of TopFX, no reproduction or redistribution of the information provided herein is permitted.

Written by:
Myrsini Giannouli

Share the article: