Brent futures remained untouched today, trading above $109 a barrel after Chinese data showed a downturn in manufacturing activities. However, any losses were kept in check by the ongoing Ukraine crisis.
Brent crude was at $109.20 a barrel, while US oil fell by 22 cents to settle at $101.54 a barrel, reported Reuters.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
Ukraine’s acting President Oleksander Turchinov has ordered a relaunch of an offensive against pro-Russian rebels in the east.
In addition, oil prices were underpinned by slower than expected growth in US stockpiles last week.
A report from the American Petroleum Institute (API) showed that crude inventories rose by 519,000 barrels in the week ending 18 April, compared with an expected 2.3 million barrel increase. Gasoline stocks fell by 3.4 million barrels against the anticipated 1.7 million barrel decline.
Due for release later today, the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) stockpile report will provide a clearer picture on the country’s demand outlook.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataInvestors are also aware of the progress that Libya is making in ramping up its exports.
A spokesman for state-run National Oil Corp (NOC) said that oil production in the country now stands at around 220,000bpd, as several western oilfields remain closed due to protests.
The US benchmark is receiving some support from housing data. In March, homes resale volume fell to an 18-month low, while there were signs that a recent downward trend may come to an end.
Image: Brent holds above $109 a barrel. Photo: courtesy of Rawich at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
.gif)
