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Oil rates edge down as Russia lifts supplies, jet fuel demand stirs caution

Oil costs edged down early on Tuesday after acquiring in the previous trading session, due in part to the possibility of increasing supply from Russia as well as the possibility of slowerthanexpected downstream demand in sectors such as jet fuel.

The Brent crude oil futures contract for May shipment slipped 16 cents to $86.73 a barrel as at 0300 GMT, whereas that for U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell 13 cents to $82.03. The WTI April contract, with expires tomorrow, fell 16 cents to $82.56.

Both criteria reached four-month highs in the previous session, buoyed by lower crude exports from Saudi Arabia and Iraq and indications of more powerful demand and financial growth in China and the U.S.

Relating to Russia, supply concern stemming from increased exports following Ukrainian attacks on the nation's oil facilities continued to press costs downward.

Attacks will likely decrease Russian unrefined runs by up to 300 kbd (thousand barrels per day), in addition to scheduled maintenance closures ... Lower main runs, nevertheless, would lead to higher petroleum exports, helping Russia to all at once achieve output cuts while keeping exports flat, JP Morgan experts wrote in a customer note.

Russia will increase oil exports through its western ports in March by nearly 200,000 barrels per day (bpd) versus a. regular monthly plan for 2.15 million bpd, while daily,. shipments will increase by 10% compared to its initial prepare for. March, computations showed.

Meanwhile, five sessions of gain in the U.S. dollar likewise. kept a cover on oil's uptrend, with the greenback almost at a. two-week high against significant peers.

A stronger dollar generally makes buying oil more expensive. for holders of other currencies.

On the need side, experts were somewhat mindful on. need development originating from the jet fuel sector ahead of the. summer travelling season in the 3rd quarter of the year.

Worldwide jet fuel rates are likely to be greater by 5.4% over. our previous projection to USD111/bbl as soft need is anticipated. to give way to peak summer travel and stronger costs, BMI. experts composed in a client note.

Nevertheless, an international economic slowdown will temper intake. of flight and weigh on jet fuel rates restricting price. upside, they included.

(source: Reuters)