Oil prices steady as latest US-China trade talks loom

Brent crude, US WTI have fallen more than 20% from April peaks

LONDON: Oil prices were steady on Thursday as the US-China trade war continued to cloud prospects for the global economy and fuel demand despite a resumption in talks seeking a resolution to the 15-month conflict.

The dispute has disrupted global supply chains and slowed growth in the world's two largest economies, curbing fuel consumption in both.

China, the world's biggest oil importer, has lowered expectations of a deal from the talks on Thursday and Friday. US President Donald Trump has proposed to increase tariffs on about $250 billion of Chinese goods to 30% from 25% on October 15 if there are no signs of progress.

Global benchmark Brent crude futures rose by $0.08, or 0.14%, to $58.40 a barrel at 1125 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures were up $0.1, or 0.19%, at $52.69.

"No two ways about it, US-China trade talks will be front and centre on the agenda across global markets, including oil," said BNP Paribas oil strategist Harry Tchilinguirian.

"This jitteriness just goes to show how much emphasis the market places on the outcome of these talks in terms of global economic outlook."

Both benchmarks are down more than 20% from April peaks.

The front-month spread between November and December US crude futures slipped into contango - where future prices are higher than nearby prices - on Wednesday for the first time in three weeks.

Prices were also weighed down by a report of rising stockpiles in the United States, currently the world's biggest oil producer.

US crude stocks rose by 2.9 million barrels in the week to October 4, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Wednesday, more than double analyst expectations.

Additionally, the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has adjusted its production pact to allow Nigeria to raise its output, adding more supply.

OPEC member Venezuela will also increase its exports despite US economic sanctions that have curtailed shipments.

Indian refiner Reliance Industries plans to start loading Venezuelan crude after a four-month pause, in a further sign of expanding crude supply to the market.

But in a sign supply could yet tighten, OPEC's Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo, when asked about the prospect of a deeper oil supply cut in December, said: "All options are open."

"The oil market is neither bullish nor bearish. It is not trending. It has no reason or excuse to trend," said Tamas Varga of oil brokerage PVM.

"It would be stretching it to say that the market is paralysed, but it is in a stalemate. No one is willing to commit to either direction."