Oil prices fall as ME tensions ease

LONDON:

Oil prices were moderately lower on Wednesday as worries over conflict in the Middle East eased and business activity in the world’s largest oil consumer slowed, however, a fall in US crude oil inventories put a floor on those losses.

Brent crude futures were down 27 cents, or 0.31%, to $88.15 a barrel by1530 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell 38 cents, or 0.46%, to $82.98. That reversed some of Brent’s gains earlier in the week, buoyed by a weaker US dollar.

“It appears the fundamentals that we trade with are leaning towards a little settling down in the Middle East,” said Tim Snyder, economist at Matador Economics.

Perceived de-escalation between Iran and Israel could remove another $5-10 a barrel in coming months, Goldman Sachs analysts said in a note.

US crude stockpiles fell by 6.4 million barrels to 453.6 million barrels.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 25^th, 2024.

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