Oil extended gains as signs of declining US stockpiles pointed to healthy demand while investors weighed potential disruptions to supply because of global geopolitical tensions.
Futures in New York rose as much as 0.5 per cent after adding 2.5 per cent in the past three sessions. An industry report showed US inventories fell last week, with government data Wednesday forecast to show a fourth straight drop. Crude’s recent gains have been driven by fighting between the Iraqi government and Kurdish forces in the oil-rich Kirkuk region. The conflict’s ongoing and could stoke tensions outside the country’s borders.
The violence in Iraq is one of the geopolitical risks that the oil market is grappling with, and uncertainty is swirling over the impact of tensions between Iran and the US as well, Goldman Sachs said. The Arabian Gulf nation said it would support an extension of Opec output cuts to the end of 2018 and insisted its production plans will not be disrupted by the US president Donald Trump’s threats to ditch a nuclear deal that has boosted its exports.
“Fundamentals are quite strong at the moment, with robust demand that’s draining crude inventories and geopolitical risks adding a short-term impact on prices,” said Min Byungkyu, a global market strategist at Yuanta Securities in Seoul. “There’s a general expectation that Opec will extend the output curbs, but deeper cuts will be needed to more effectively drive up prices.”
West Texas Intermediate crude for November delivery rose as much as 28 cents to US$52.16 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange and was trading at $52.04 as of 7:45am in London. Total volume traded was about 29 per cent below the 100-day average. Prices on Tuesday added 1 cent to close at $51.88, the highest since September 27.
Brent for December settlement rose as much as 43 cents, or 0.7 per cent, to $58.31 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. The global benchmark crude traded at a premium of $5.90 to WTI for December.
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Read more:
Oil surges as fighting in Kirkuk spooks market
Opec chief sees oil demand rising at 'healthy pace'
Are fears of a rising threat of disruption to oil industry justified?
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US inventories fell by 7.13 million barrels last week, the American Petroleum Institute was said to report. Data from the Energy Information Administration on Wednesday is forecast to show a 3.25 million-barrel slide.
While Iraq’s government is clashing with Kurdish forces in the north of the Opec nation, raising the prospect of output disruptions in the region, both sides have an incentive to keep oil flowing due to low production costs and “high revenue” available per barrel, according to Goldman.
The Iraqi government offensive was triggered by a non-binding Kurdish referendum on independence that was approved overwhelmingly in September and made more politically charged by the regional government’s decision to include Kirkuk, even though it lies outside the semi-autonomous Kurdish region. The area is home to the country’s oldest oilfield.
While Mr Trump’s administration has hardened its stance against Iran, there is still “high uncertainty” over whether the US will reimpose sanctions that could potentially curb the Middle East country’s crude supply, Goldman said.
Iran’s energy industry has recovered following the removal of sanctions early last year after an international agreement over its nuclear programme. Mr Trump refused to certify that Iran is in compliance with the deal, athough he did not repudiate the pact.
The US president’s statement was characterised by “chest-beating” and has “little or no effect” on the Islamic Republic’s oil plans, Amir Zamaninia, deputy minister for trade and international affairs at Iran’s oil ministry, said on Tuesday.
Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Shergill, Saiee Manjrekar
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Rating: 2.5/5
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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if you go
The flights
Emirates flies to Delhi with fares starting from around Dh760 return, while Etihad fares cost about Dh783 return. From Delhi, there are connecting flights to Lucknow.
Where to stay
It is advisable to stay in Lucknow and make a day trip to Kannauj. A stay at the Lebua Lucknow hotel, a traditional Lucknowi mansion, is recommended. Prices start from Dh300 per night (excluding taxes).
BABYLON
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Damien%20Chazelle%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStars%3A%20Brad%20Pitt%2C%20Margot%20Robbie%2C%20Jean%20Smart%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
The Penguin
Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz
Creator: Lauren LeFranc
Rating: 4/5
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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Company%20profile
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