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Oil edges up as Libyan supply troubles offset lower-than-expected U.S. stock draw

Oil rates edged up on Thursday after two sessions of losses, as supply issues over Libya returned to focus, although countered by a smallerthanexpected draw in U.S. crude stocks that sapped need expectations.

Brent unrefined futures climbed up 9 cents, or 0.11%, to stand at $78.74 a barrel by 0355 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 15 cents, or 0.2%, at $ 74.67.

Both contracts lost more than 1% on Wednesday, after information showed U.S. crude stocks dropped 846,000 barrels to 425.2 million last week, missing out on analyst expectations in a Reuters poll for a draw of 2.3 million.

Concerns over disruption in products from Libya, a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC),. were favorable for the market, some analysts stated.

The Libya issues, amidst growing geopolitical issues, will. keep oil markets on edge, and are likely to limit disadvantage to. prices, said Priyanka Sachdeva, a senior market expert at. Phillip Nova.

Some oilfields in Libya have halted production amidst a fight. for control of the central bank, with one consulting firm. approximating output interruptions of between 900,000 and 1 million. barrels per day (bpd) for numerous weeks.

Libya's July production had to do with 1.18 million bpd.

The length of the supply disturbance might have a spillover. effect on OPEC+ production strategies in the coming October, which in. turn could affect oil markets positively if supply does not alleviate. as anticipated.

A prolonged shutdown from Libya will provide OPEC+ a bit more. comfort in increasing supply in 4Q24 as presently prepared, ING. analysts said in a client note, adding that a short disturbance. would makes the cartel's choice harder, nevertheless.

Under this circumstance, we believe they will be reluctant to. bring additional supply to the market when there are still. remaining demand issues.

Expectations for the U.S. reserve bank to start cutting. interest rates next month also supported oil prices, with. Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta President Raphael Bostic saying. it might be time for cuts, with inflation down farther and. joblessness up more than prepared for.

Lower rates of interest make borrowing cheaper, which could. enhance economic activity and increase demand for oil.

(source: Reuters)