Advertisement

Oil price rally falters

OPEC forecasts U.S. slowdown while noting its own oil production is on the rise.

By Daniel J. Graeber
Mixed output data from OPEC pulls reins on rally seen in recent trading for crude oil, though Brent still holding above the $50 per barrel psychological threshold. File Photo by Monika Graff/UPI
Mixed output data from OPEC pulls reins on rally seen in recent trading for crude oil, though Brent still holding above the $50 per barrel psychological threshold. File Photo by Monika Graff/UPI | License Photo

NEW YORK, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- Crude oil prices showed some volatility in Monday trading on mixed supply signs, with U.S. shale output slowing and production from OPEC members on the rise.

Crude oil prices rallied last week on factors ranging from geopolitical risks tied to Russia's military intervention in Syria to signs of modest economic growth in the European economy. Trajectory was influenced Monday when the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries said in its latest monthly market report U.S. production should slow next year.

Advertisement

"While the increase in non-OPEC supply last year was more than twice that of global oil demand growth, this relationship is expected to flip this year before widening further in 2016 so that world oil demand growth exceeds the change in non-OPEC supply," the 12-member production group said in its latest monthly market report. "This should reduce the excess supply in the market and lead to higher demand for OPEC crude."

Brent crude oil continued momentum from last week by holding above the $50 per barrel psychological threshold. Signs that it was OPEC members that were producing in earnest, however, created a mixed climate in early market trading

Advertisement

Brent crude oil was pressured by mixed supply signals in the OPEC report, losing about three-tenths of a percent to trade at $52.48 per barrel in early market movements. West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. benchmark for oil prices, lost four-tenths of a percent to $49.41 per barrel.

While OPEC expects U.S. oil production to fall by 100,000 barrels per day next year, production from its members increased 109,000 barrels last month to average 31.6 million bpd.

Low crude oil prices have forced some energy companies to cut staff and spending in an effort to survive the downturn. Countries like Russia, however, that depend on oil for revenue are struggling.

In the United States, U.S. Federal Reserve Vice Chairman Stanley Fischer said low crude oil prices have translated to increased purchasing power for consumers.

"Further, the negative effect of low oil prices on the growth of investment in the U.S. energy sector appears to be waning," he added.

Goldman Sachs warned last week the uptick in crude oil prices may be a short-term market phenomenon.

"We continue to view the oil market as oversupplied and with low prices required to achieve the sufficient rebalancing in 2016," Goldman said.

Advertisement

Latest Headlines