
Audio By Carbonatix
Oil rose on Wednesday, hitting $40 a barrel for the first time since March, supported by lower U.S. inventories, expectations OPEC+ will keep oil output cuts in place and signs of demand recovery from the coronavirus crisis. Suggesting a supply glut is on the way out, the American Petroleum Institute said on Tuesday U.S. crude inventories fell by 483,000 barrels. The government’s official supply report is due out later on Wednesday.
Brent crude futures for August were up 59 cents, or 1.5%, at $40.16 by 0840 GMT, reaching a high of $40.53, the highest since March 6. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for July gained 80 cents, or 2.2%, to $37.61.
“A consensus is emerging that the producer group will prolong current cuts,” said Stephen Brennock of oil broker PVM, referring to OPEC and its allies.
Both benchmarks have surged in recent weeks. Brent has more than doubled after hitting a 21-year low below $16 in April, when U.S. crude went negative. A recovery in China and the easing of government lockdowns elsewhere is supporting prices.
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other producers including Russia, known as OPEC+, are cutting output by 9.7 million barrels per day (bpd), about 10% of pre-coronavirus global output, in May and June to support prices.
OPEC+, encouraged by signs of recovery in the market, is considering extending the 9.7 million bpd cut beyond June. But there has been no agreement yet on bringing forward a ministerial meeting to Thursday from later in June as currently scheduled.
“When you have Brent approaching $40, it is a good sign,” said an OPEC delegate. “We are on the right track.”
The demand outlook appears stronger. The services sector in China, the world’s second-biggest oil consumer, returned to growth for the first time since January, a survey showed.
“As virus-related lockdown measures continue to be lifted, we expect that demand will gradually recover,” Capital Economics said in a report.
Latest Stories
-
Imperial General Assurance, World Vision Ghana empower girls with menstrual hygiene support
3 minutes -
Bolt rewards outstanding drivers with household appliances, fuel vouchers
23 minutes -
GEPA opens Ghana Trade House in Philadelphia, deepening commercial footprint in USA
32 minutes -
Bill to end witchcraft accusations under consideration—Local Govt Minister
50 minutes -
Calgary University professor leads experts at a free virtual data science and AI conference
56 minutes -
Sentuo Oil Refinery expansion will reduce fuel imports when completed – John Jinapor
57 minutes -
Sahara Group advances energy journalism in Africa with US$5,000 Fellowship
1 hour -
Christmas market attacker jailed for life for murdering six in Germany
1 hour -
High Commissioner urges Ghana to look beyond the west for economic solutions
1 hour -
Ban on ‘takeaway packs’ driven by serious health risks, EPA explains
1 hour -
Parliament must be guarantor of press freedom – Minority Leader advocates
1 hour -
Media urged to inform and hold power accountable
1 hour -
Photos: Mahama cuts sod for Phase II of Sentuo Oil refinery expansion
1 hour -
THE LAW 101: Larry’s contempt judgment
2 hours -
Two killed, four injured in head-on collision at Abease on Takoradi highway
2 hours