Optimistic Sentiment Boosts Oil Prices to New Heights
Money | June 18, 2024, 8:03 p.m.
Oil prices saw a significant rebound following the last OPEC+ meeting, recovering from their recent crash. However, gasoline demand in the US has been disappointing, leading to refinery run cuts in Asia. Despite strong gasoline cracks in the US, high refinery utilization rates and increased gasoline stocks pose downside risks. The delay of key refinery newbuilds in Nigeria and Mexico may exacerbate pressure on gasoline markets. Market movers include Phillips 66's sale of its stake in the Rockies Express Pipeline, Trafigura's $55 million fine for fraud and manipulation, and TotalEnergies' sale of its Brunei business. Oil prices are currently stable, but could be further influenced by the U.S. Federal Reserve's upcoming comments. Additionally, tensions in West Africa, defiance of White House decommissioning rules, and Russia reclaiming its position as Europe's largest gas supplier are key geopolitical developments affecting energy markets.