Is the Oil Rally Over?
On Thursday, June 2, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries Plus (OPEC+) agreed to boost output by 648 000 barrels per day (bpd) in July and August. The decision replaced a previously accepted plan to increase the oil production by 432 000 bpd. Despite the obvious step by the alliance to curb the surging oil prices, the market was not really impressed by it. Both WTI (XTIUSD) and Brent (XBRUSD) closed in the green after the announcement on Thursday. What are the reasons behind this behaviour of the oil market and what should we expect next?
Reasons for oil’s reaction
The upside momentum in oil prices remained intact for several reasons. The first one is related to the fact that Russia is still a member of the OPEC+ alliance. Despite multiple calls by major oil importers to exclude Russia from the list of members, the group decided not to do it. As a result, it makes it harder for the alliance to meet its target. The output from Russia has already dropped by 1 million bpd since the start of its war with Ukraine and is likely to continue its downfall. Moreover, the new pack of sanctions by the European Union presented on Friday, June 3, includes an embargo on Russian oil.
Secondly, Angola and Nigeria, members of the OPEC+ union have problems with their output. This way, the current change in the oil supplies is seen as insufficient. As the increases are divided proportionally across the member countries, Angola and Nigeria will be the outsiders in this oil-pumping rally.
Third, China eased its Covid-19 restrictions on the biggest cities at the end of May. The Chinese government promised to support the economy. The restoring demand from China will likely exceed the supplies if nothing changes in the output. As a result, the oil prices have all chances to break higher.
Finally, figures presented by the Energy Information Administration on June 2 showed that US crude inventory declined by 5.1 million barrels last week. It also pushes the oil prices up.
What can push the oil prices down?
The only thing that can change the trend of oil right now is China’s demand. If new lockdowns are imposed, the oil prices will correct lower. Also, the news from Russia and Ukraine may impact the oil prices as well.
Levels for XBRUSD and XTIUSD
The price of Brent (XBRUSD) has been trading within an ascending wedge. If it breaks above the $120 level, the next target will lie at $123. After crossing this level, buyers have the full potential to retest the high of March 8 at $130. On the downside, the first support lies at $110.20
As for XTIUSD, the first target for it on a daily chart lies at $120. The next important level is located at $124. The support for WTI is placed at $120.
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