Oil futures edged higher Thursday, shaking off concerns about summer gasoline demand in the U.S. as investors kept an eye on tensions in the Middle East that could threaten crude supplies from the region.
President Joe Biden has made efforts to appease American consumers and climate activists alike, leading to what some have referred to as “nuanced” energy policies that have also helped the U.S. become the world's largest oil producer.
Weak demand and high inventories weigh on crude oil prices, but Middle East tensions offer support due to potential supply risks.
BP PLC's (LSE:BP.) new CEO, Murray Auchincloss, has implemented a hiring freeze and paused new offshore wind projects to focus more on oil and gas amid investor concerns over the company's energy transition strategy, according to Reuters, citing sources close to the oil giant.
Oil prices slid in early Asian trade on Thursday as a surprise build in U.S. stockpiles fuelled fears about slow demand from the top oil consumer, though worries a potential expansion of the Gaza war may disrupt Middle East supplies capped declines.
Rising crude oil inventories and declining refinery inputs and gasoline production signal potential downward pressure on crude prices.
Oil prices fell Tuesday, but traders are hoping U.S. inventory will show that fuel demand is picking up. Expectations that the oil market will tighten and escalating tensions in the Middle East have provided bullish momentum recently.
Oil futures rose Wednesday, finding support amid continued jitters over the potential for a broader Middle East conflict as traders awaited official U.S. data on crude and product inventories.
In the short term, oil prices are expected to be supported by anticipated inventory drawdowns and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Oil prices fell in early Asian trade on Wednesday after an industry group reported a surprise jump in U.S. stockpiles, fueling concerns about weaker-than-expected demand in the top oil consuming nation.
Crude oil, testing resistance at 82.24, forms an expanding triangle, suggesting a potential breakout or retracement as a decision looms.
By RoboForex Analytical Department