The Influence of Chinese Demand and OPEC+ Supply Cuts on Oil Prices
Oil prices saw an uptick on Friday, setting the stage for a weekly gain. This rise can be attributed to increased demand from China and substantial supply cuts by the OPEC+ alliance. As of 10:50 a.m. EDT, Brent crude and U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude showed promising gains, trading at $76.02 and $71.09 a barrel respectively. Brent is set for a 1.6% weekly rise, while WTI expects a 1.2% increase.
The Chinese Demand: A Significant Market Driver
Crude oil this week has seen increased valuation due to the anticipated rise in Chinese demand. The nation's refinery output escalated in May, registering its second-highest total to date. As per Kuwait Petroleum Corp's CEO, the Chinese demand is anticipated to persistently escalate in the second half of the year.
OPEC and Allies: A Voluntary Cap on Supply
In conjunction with the surge in Chinese demand, voluntary cuts in crude output, initiated by OPEC and its allies in May, combined with additional cuts from Saudi Arabia in July, are poised to constrain supply.
The Russian Oil Production: Prospects and Predictions
On Friday, Russia's Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov declared that attaining oil prices around $80 per barrel was a "realistic" expectation, as reported by state news agencies. Shulginov also anticipated a dip in Russia's oil and gas condensate production by approximately 20 million tonnes (400,000 barrels per day) this year.
The Shadow of Rising Interest Rates: Economic Impact and Oil Demand
Contrarily, looming interest rate hikes may suppress these gains by potentially hampering economic growth and oil demand. The Bank of England is projected to raise interest rates by 0.25% next week, following the European Central Bank's move to increase rates to a 22-year high on Thursday. The U.S. Federal Reserve also hinted at a minimum 0.5% increase by the end of the year.
The Watchful Eye of Investors on Federal Reserves
Investors are keeping a close watch on interest rates and statements from Federal Reserve members. Phil Flynn, an analyst at Price Futures Group, emphasizes that the future of oil prices will pivot from one Federal speaker and data point to another.
