Oil prices have gained back some of their huge losses suffered the previous day amid the imminent US sanctions on Iran.

Front-month Brent crude oil futures LCOc1 grew 32 cents to top $76.76 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures CLc1 increased by 15 cents to reach $66.58, reported Reuters.

The US sanctions on Tehran would come into force on 4 November.

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said that supply disruptions are expected due to US sanctions on Iran, but it is ready to increase to ‘meet any demand that materialises to ensure customers are satisfied’.

Despite assurances from Saudi Arabia, the markets remained tight because of the ever-nearing sanctions, according to analysts.

“We still see Brent reaching $85 per barrel by year-end.”

Morgan Stanley was quoted by the news agency as stating: “We still see Brent reaching $85 per barrel by year-end.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

In China, the state-owned China National Petroleum’s Bank of Kunlun will stop handling payments from Iran in November. This move indicates that the country has bowed to pressure from the US.

Kunlun is the key official route for money transfers between Beijing and Tehran.

As financial links ties between the two countries would be cut from November, Chinese oil firms will now have to look for alternative supplies.

Refinitiv Eikon trade data indicates that China bought 800,000bpd from Iran in August, which is the peak this year.

Although oil supply is tightening, the demand outlook for next year remains gloomy due to concerns of a slowing economy of China.

China plans to boost financial support for regions that would be affected by its mounting trade war with Washington. Both countries have imposed tariffs on each others’ respective goods.