Oil prices have slipped as tighter Covid-19 lockdowns across Europe and a slower demand recovery forecast by the OPEC next year ‘outweighed relief’ from the coronavirus vaccines’ roll-out.
Brent crude futures fell $0.20 to $50.09 a barrel while the US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures decreased by $0.18 to $46.81 a barrel, reported Reuters.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Due to the surge in Covid-19 infection rates, London imposed much tighter restrictions that required the closing of bars and restaurants.
Furthermore, Italy said it plans to implement tighter restrictions over the Christmas holidays while German stores have been ordered to be closed until 10 January.
ANZ analysts said in a note: “While the market has been buoyed by the roll-out of Covid-19 vaccines, a path towards normalisation of demand remains a difficult one.”
On 14 December, OPEC forecast 2021 oil demand recovery by 350,000bpd due to the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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.
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 GlobalDataHowever, a rapid roll-out of vaccines in major economies ‘provides potential upside for next year’s growth forecast’.
According to a monthly forecast released by the industry group US Energy Information Administration (EIA), US oil output from shale formations is expected to fall by 136,000bpd in January to 7.44Mbpd.
Hinting a sign of weaker demand, analysts expect the American Petroleum Institute and the EIA data to show that gasoline inventories in the US increased by 1.6 million barrels last week.
