Latest News

Oil consistent as smaller-than-expected US stock draw counters Libya supply disruption

Oil prices held primarily constant on Thursday as a smallerthanexpected attract U.S. crude inventories and continued concerns over China demand countered supply disturbances out of Libya.

Brent crude futures were down 1 cent, or 0.01%, at $ 78.64 a barrel at 0043 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 8 cents, or 0.1%, to $74.60.

Both agreements lost over 1% on Wednesday, after information revealed that U.S. crude inventories dropped by 846,000 barrels to 425.2 million barrels recently, less than expert expectations in a. Reuters survey for a draw of 2.3 million barrels.

Losses were limited, however, by worries over disturbance to. products out of Libya, a member of the Company of the. Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

A variety of oil fields in Libya have actually halted production amid. a defend control of the nation's reserve bank, with one. consulting company estimating output disturbances of in between 900,000. and 1 million barrels daily (bpd) for numerous weeks.

In July, Libya produced about 1.18 million bpd.

Supply side issues continue to hang over the marketplace. Libyan. output has actually more than halved today in the middle of a political disagreement,. ANZ Research said in a note. Output is at threat of falling. further as more fields close.

The expectation that the U.S. reserve bank will start. cutting rate of interest next month likewise supported oil costs,. with Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta President Raphael Bostic. stating that with inflation down further and unemployment up more. than prepared for, it may be time for cuts.

Lower interest rates decrease the cost of loaning, and. that can boost economic activity and increase need for oil.

(source: Reuters)