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Oil set to fall for fourth week as need concerns weigh on belief

Oil prices rose on Friday but were set for a fourth weekly decline as indications of disappointing worldwide fuel need growth surpassed worries of supply disturbances in the key Middle East production region.

Brent unrefined futures got 33 cents, or 0.4%, to $ 79.85 a barrel by 0020 GMT, after falling 1.5% in the previous session, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate unrefined futures rose 38 cents, or 0.5%, to $76.69, after a 2.1% drop on Thursday.

On a weekly basis, Brent futures are on track to fall 1.7%,. while WTI futures are set to drop 1.1%. The four weeks of. declines are set to be the longest losing streak for both. criteria given that a seven-week streak of weekly losses that ended. in early December.

Studies on Thursday showed weaker production activity. last month across the United States, Europe and Asia, raising. the danger of an underpowered global financial healing that would. weigh on oil intake.

Disappointing economic data from leading oil importer China this. week, especially falling manufacturing activity, weighed on. costs, adding to concerns about need growth there after. import and refinery activity data for June was lower than last. year.

Markets continue to stay careful of Chinese oil demand after. June information can be found in weaker-than-expected, analysts at consultancy. firm FGE said.

Asia's crude oil imports dropped to the most affordable in 2 years. in July on weak need in China and India, according to data. compiled by LSEG Oil Research Study.

Still, the outlook for Chinese crude oil imports is. brightening, FGE experts kept in mind, mentioning a boost in strategic. purchases and a recovery in refining rates in the country.

Oil financiers are also cautiously watching developments in. the Middle East, where the killing of senior leaders of. Iran-aligned militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah stoked worries. that the area might be on the verge of a full-scale war and. possibly interfere with materials.

Occasions from the previous week have actually effectively torpedoed the. continuous Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks and brought the prospect of. region-wide conflict more detailed, FGE said.

(source: Reuters)