Oil prices saw a slight drop on Thursday, impacted by expectations of increased global production and concerns over weak demand growth, particularly in China. Brent crude futures fell by 0.08% to $72.22 a barrel, while US WTI crude declined by 0.19% to $68.30.
The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) revised its 2024 global oil output forecast upward to 102.6 million barrels per day (bpd) and expects 104.7 million bpd in 2025. The EIA also raised its US output estimate to a record 13.23 million bpd this year.
This increase in output estimates comes alongside OPEC’s lowered demand growth forecast of 1.82 million bpd for 2024, down from 1.93 million bpd, citing weak demand from China, India, and other regions. The EIA’s demand growth estimate for 2024 remains below OPEC’s, at about 1 million bpd.
The market awaits the IEA’s oil market report and the EIA’s US crude stockpiles data for additional guidance.
Additionally, a stronger US dollar is exerting pressure on oil prices, making dollar-denominated commodities more expensive for international buyers. The dollar’s strength follows inflation data that aligns with expectations, indicating a sustained approach to rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
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