Oil prices tumble over 5%

Covid lockdowns in China spark worries about demand outlook

NEW YORK:

Oil prices sank over 5% on Monday alongside equities, as continued coronavirus lockdowns in China, the top oil importer, fed worries about the demand outlook.

Brent crude fell $5.92, or 5.3%, to $106.47 a barrel at 1706 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude fell $6.16, or 5.6%, to $103.61 a barrel. Both contracts have gained over 35% so far this year.

Global financial markets have been spooked by concerns over interest rate hikes and recession worries as tighter and wider Covid-19 lockdowns in China led to slower export growth in the world’s No 2 economy in April.

“The Covid lockdowns in China are negatively impacting the oil market, which is selling off in conjunction with equities,” said Lipow Oil Associated in Houston’s President Andrew Lipow.

Crude imports by China in the first four months of 2022 fell 4.8% from a year ago, but April imports were up nearly 7%.

China’s Iranian oil imports in April came off peak volumes seen in late 2021 and early 2022 as demand from independent refiners weakened after Covid-19 lockdowns pummelled fuel margins and on growing imports of lower-priced Russian oil.

Wall Street stock indexes fell and the dollar hit a two-decade high, making oil more expensive for holders of other currencies.

Saudi Arabia, the world’s top oil exporter, lowered crude prices for Asia and Europe for June.

In Russia, oil output rose in early May from April and production has stabilised, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak was cited as saying, after output fell in April as Western countries imposed sanctions over the Ukraine crisis.

Last week, the European Commission proposed a phased embargo on Russian oil, boosting Brent and WTI prices for the second straight week. The proposal needs a unanimous vote by EU members this week to pass.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 10^th, 2022.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.