Oil product stocks in Asia's oil hub Singapore hit their lowest in more than nine months after the U.S.-Iran war curtailed Middle East crude and fuel exports, official data showed on Thursday.
Stocks gained as investors awaited Iran's response to a U.S. memo that would declare an end to the conflict and gradually reopen the Hormuz Strait.
Brent crude and WTI futures were falling early Thursday amid positive noises about a U.S.-Iran peace deal.
Investors continue to assess the latest developments in the Middle East amid concerns over renewed tensions between Iran and the U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday Iran will be bombed "at a much higher level" if it doesn't agree to a peace deal
Oil futures rose in early Asian trade on a likely technical recovery after dropping overnight.
U.S. crude futures rose about $1 in early trade on Thursday, rebounding from the previous day's losses, as investors assessed prospects for a Middle East peace deal.
Oil contracts worth $1.7 billion changed hands in the hour before an Axios report sent oil prices lower Wednesday. Some experts are calling the spike in activity suspicious.
A return to normal operations in the Middle East could take months.
Global petroleum inventories are being depleted at a record pace, with critical shortages likely within weeks, even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens imminently. OECD crude oil inventories are projected to reach the critical 24-day cover threshold by June, with localized shortages and scarcity pricing emerging as early as mid-May.
U.S. stocks looked set to extend record highs after Trump walked back an effort to guide commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns of a near-term escalation in the U.S.-Iran war.
Araghchi arrived in Beijing early on Wednesday. Chinese state media reported the Iranian Foreign Minister held talks with Wang Yi, the highest-level in-person talks between the two countries since the start of the U.S.-Iran war.
Oil fell in early trade on hopes of a U.S.-Iran peace deal that could reduce supply disruptions.