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Oil rates trim Middle East war risk-gains, China need remains a worry

Oil costs fell on Tuesday, paring the previous day's almost 2% increase as the leading U.S. diplomat renewed efforts to push for a ceasefire in the Middle East, and as sluggish demand in China, the world's leading oil importer, continued to weigh on the marketplace.

Brent crude futures for December shipment were down 26 cents, or 0.3%, at $74.03 a barrel at 0046 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate unrefined futures for November shipment were 2 cents lower at $70.54 a barrel on the agreement's last day as the front month.

The more actively traded WTI futures for December, which will quickly end up being the front month, lost 23 cents, or 0.3%,. to $69.81 per barrel.

Both Brent and WTI settled almost 2% higher on Monday,. recovering a few of last week's more than 7% decline, with no. letup of combating in the Middle East and the marketplace still. worried about Israel's expected retaliation versus Iran. potentially causing an interruption of oil supply.

Petroleum prices have been changing in reaction to blended. news from the Middle East, as the situation alternates between. escalation and de-escalation, Satoru Yoshida, a commodity. expert with Rakuten Securities.

The market is anticipated to increase if there are clearer indications. of China's financial healing, reinforced by Beijing's stimulus. measures and enhancement in U.S. economy following rate of interest. cuts, he stated. But gains are most likely to be limited by persistent. unpredictability about the total global financial outlook, he added.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken headed to the Middle. East on Monday looking for to revive speak with end the Gaza war and. pacify the spillover conflict in Lebanon.

Israeli military forces besieged medical facilities and shelters for. displaced individuals in the northern Gaza Strip on Monday as they. stepped up their operations, avoiding crucial aid from. reaching civilians, citizens and medics stated.

On the other hand, China cut benchmark lending rates as anticipated. at the monthly repairing on Monday, following reductions to other. policy rates last month as part of a package of stimulus. procedures to restore the economy.

The move comes after data on Friday showed China's economy. grew at the slowest rate since early 2023 in the 3rd quarter,. sustaining growing concerns about oil demand.

China's oil-demand growth is anticipated to stay weak in 2025. in spite of current stimulus procedures from Beijing as the world's No. 2 economy electrifies its automobile fleet and grows at a slower speed,. the head of the International Energy Firm stated on Monday.

Still, Saudi Aramco is relatively bullish on China's. oil need specifically in light of the government's stimulus. package which aims to improve development, the head of the state-owned. oil giant stated on Monday.

(source: Reuters)