Demand for crude oil is accelerating – a bullish sign for its prices. What may the current energy market environment say about the black gold’s outlook?

A Chinese Panda’s Appetite

On the Asian continent, the lifting of health restrictions in China could signal resuming oil demand for the world’s top consumer. Given the context of tight supply, this has partially triggered a rebound in crude while driving prices higher.

Geopolitical Scene

The Libyan National Oil Company (NOC) warned that they could declare a state of "force majeure" on the facilities in the Gulf of Sirte – blocked due to the political crisis that has been hitting the country for months.

In Ecuador as well, the spectre of a halt in oil production is becoming clearer following the blockades and demonstrations initiated by a movement protesting the rise in the cost of living.

OPEC+ Struggles to Increase Volumes

The United Arab Emirates assured that they were at maximum capacity, while Saudi Arabia stated it could pump an additional 150,000 barrels per day. It is important to note that these two producing countries are indeed the two OPEC+ members perceived to have the most spare oil production capacity. The 23 members of OPEC+ are just starting a series of two-day e-meetings on Wednesday (they should also meet on Thursday by videoconference) to decide on a new adjustment to their total volume of production of black gold. However, analysts expect the status quo despite numerous calls for action.

Fed’s Recession Denial?

The US economy is slowing down, but not to the point of falling into recession, the president of the New York branch of the Federal Reserve (Fed) said to CNBC Tuesday. The mighty Federal Reserve has raised rates three times since March. The latter are now in a range between 1.50% and 1.75% after remaining close to zero during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fundamental Analysis

On Tuesday, the American Petroleum Institute (API) released their weekly oil stock figures.

U.S. API Weekly Crude Oil Stock

The weekly commercial crude oil reserves in the United States dropped to -3.8M barrels while the forecasted figure was just about -0.110M, according to figures released on Tuesday by the US American Petroleum Institute (API).

US crude inventories have thus decreased by over 3.799 million barrels, which firmly shows accelerating demand and could be considered a strong bullish factor for crude oil prices. This figure would indeed signal a rise in fuel consumption. As a result, demand is now holding up well as the peak of the summer driving season approaches with many trips.

(Source: Investing.com)

WTI Crude Oil (CLQ22) Futures (August contract, daily chart)

RBOB Gasoline (RBQ22) Futures (August contract, daily chart)

Brent Crude Oil (BRNQ22) Futures (August contract, daily chart) – here it is represented by its Contract for Difference (CFD) UKOIL

That’s all, folks! Happy trading!

Like what you’ve read? Subscribe for our daily newsletter today, and you'll get 7 days of FREE access to our premium daily Oil Trading Alerts as well as our other Alerts. Sign up for the free newsletter today!

Thank you.
Sebastien Bischeri

Oil & Gas Trading Strategist

* * * * *

The information above represents analyses and opinions of Sebastien Bischeri, & Sunshine Profits' associates only. As such, it may prove wrong and be subject to change without notice. At the time of writing, we base our opinions and analyses on facts and data sourced from respective essays and their authors. Although formed on top of careful research and reputably accurate sources, Sebastien Bischeri and his associates cannot guarantee the reported data's accuracy and thoroughness. The opinions published above neither recommend nor offer any securities transaction. Mr. Bischeri is not a Registered Securities Advisor. By reading Sebastien Bischeri’s reports you fully agree that he will not be held responsible or liable for any decisions you make regarding any information provided in these reports. Investing, trading and speculation in any financial markets may involve high risk of loss. Sebastien Bischeri, Sunshine Profits' employees, affiliates as well as their family members may have a short or long position in any securities, including those mentioned in any of the reports or essays, and may make additional purchases and/or sales of those securities without notice.

Only logged in users are allowed to post comments. Register/ Log in

The Market Oracle is a FREE Financial Markets Forecasting & Analysis web-site.
(c) 2005-2024 MarketOracle.co.uk (Market Oracle Ltd) - Market Oracle Ltd asserts copyright on all articles authored by our editorial team and all comments posted. Any and all information provided within the web-site, is for general information purposes only and Market Oracle Ltd do not warrant the accuracy, timeliness or suitability of any information provided on this site. nor is or shall be deemed to constitute, financial or any other advice or recommendation by us. and are also not meant to be investment advice or solicitation or recommendation to establish market positions. We do not give investment advice and our comments are an expression of opinion only and should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as recommendations to enter into a market position either stock, option, futures contract, bonds, commodity or any other financial instrument at any time. We recommend that independent professional advice is obtained before you make any investment or trading decisions. By using this site you agree to this sites Terms of Use. From time to time we promote or endorse certain products / services that we believe are worthy of your time and attention. In return for that endorsement and only in the cases where you purchase directly though us may we be compensated by the producers of those products.