Brent crude oil traded above $112 a barrel on Wednesday, amid worries over Iraq oil production and signs that Libyan rebels may reopen two oil terminals.

Reuters reported that Brent was down ten cents to $112.19 a barrel, while US light crude oil rose five cents to $105.39 a barrel.

The news agency noted that the North Sea crude oil benchmark hit a nine-month intraday high of $115.71 two weeks ago, amid concerns that a Sunni Islamist insurgency in northern Iraq may hit the country’s oil output and exports.

Prices have slipped back steadily since then as the oil facilities, mostly in southern Iraq, have continued to operate despite the conflict.

A survey by Reuters found that Iraq pumped three million barrels per day in June 2014.

"A survey by Reuters found that Iraq pumped three million barrels per day in June 2014."

The country’s southern oil exports recently reached approximately 2.6 million barrels per day and are expected to increase further.

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.

Rebels in Libya have agreed to reopen the remaining two terminals at Es Sider and Ras Lanuf, which is expected to restore approximately 500,000bpd of crude oil export capacity.

Meanwhile, data from the American Petroleum Institute (API) revealed that US crude stocks declined by 876,000 barrels in the week ending 27 June to 381.7 million, compared with expectations for a 2.2 million barrel decrease.

Gasoline stocks declined by 407,000 barrels, compared with estimations of a 400,000 barrel increase.

Investors are waiting for official data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) on the country’s demand outlook.

Energy