Oil prices have remained atop three-month peaks as thawing trade relations between the world’s two biggest economies, the US and China, have offered support to global markets.

Brent crude futures increased $0.08 to $66.25 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained $0.04 to $60.97 a barrel, reported Reuters.

Data released by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed a 1.1 million barrels fall in US crude inventories in the week that ended on 13 September, and an increase in gasoline and distillates inventories.

CMC Markets Sydney chief market analyst Michael McCarthy was quoted by Reuters as saying: “We’re near the top of trading ranges for both Brent and WTI so it’s interesting to see them holding here.”

“(Trading) volumes are terrible. A lot of people have given up for the year with no scheduled events to push oil markets around.”

The trend has set the oil price to rise for a straight third week, after announcements in December 2019 about deeper output cuts by major OPEC+ group, as well as the interim deal between the US and China to resolve their trade war.

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.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other producers such as Russia, known as OPEC+ group, agreed to further deepen the cuts by 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) from January on top of earlier reductions of 1.2 million bpd. Further thawing the relations, the finance ministry of China published a new list of six US products which will be exempted from taxes post for Christmas 2019.