The West Texas Intermediate (WTI) price has been facing significant challenges in recent times, particularly due to the unexpected rise in US Crude inventories. This article delves into the reasons behind this inventory build and its impact on the crude oil market. Additionally, it explores other factors affecting prices, such as the US-led coalition’s compliance regime and the Biden administration’s auction of Gulf of Mexico drilling rights.
Crude oil prices have been under downward pressure primarily because of concerns surrounding low demand. The surprise increase in US Crude inventory for the week ending on December 15, which rose to 2.909 million barrels, exacerbated these concerns. This unexpected inventory build contrasted with the anticipated decrease of 2.233 million barrels, as well as the significant drop of 4.259 million barrels in the previous period. The bearish sentiment resulting from this inventory build is a significant factor impacting the crude oil market.
Adding to the complex dynamics of the crude oil market is the fact that US Crude output reached a record high of 13.3 million barrels per day (bpd) in the last week. This increase from the previous all-time high of 13.2 million bpd further contributes to the downward pressure on prices. The abundance of supply resulting from this record output level creates an imbalance in the market.
While low demand and record US Crude output put downward pressure on prices, escalating tensions in the Middle East provide some support. The attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea by the Iran-led Houthi militant group have raised concerns. Disruptions to the critical Suez Canal, responsible for approximately 12% of world shipping traffic, have become a possibility. As a result, several shipping companies have temporarily halted transit through the canal, introducing an element of uncertainty to global shipping. These events underline the significance of addressing and mitigating risks arising from attacks on commercial vessels in the region.
To address the challenges posed by seaborne Russian oil, the US-led coalition overseeing the price cap made significant changes to its compliance regime. These adjustments aim to ensure compliance with the price cap on Russian oil by Western maritime service providers. Under the revised compliance regime, these service providers will soon be required to obtain declarations from their counterparties confirming that the Russian oil was sold within the imposed price cap. By restricting Western companies from offering services exceeding the established cap, the coalition seeks to tighten restrictions and exert economic pressure on Russia.
In addition to the changes in the compliance regime, the US Treasury Department imposed fresh sanctions on a ship manager owned by the Russian government and three oil traders engaged in the Russian oil trade. These sanctions further contribute to the economic pressures on Russia and demonstrate the coalition’s commitment to addressing its concerns.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration’s auction of Gulf of Mexico drilling rights proved successful, raising an impressive $382 million. This auction total stands as the highest for any federal offshore oil and gas lease sale since 2015. Furthermore, a survey conducted by the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank revealed that oil and gas activity remained unchanged in the fourth quarter, signaling stability in the industry.
The challenges faced by the US Crude inventories have had a significant impact on the crude oil market. Concerns about low demand, record US Crude output, and escalating tensions in the Middle East have all contributed to the downward pressure on prices. However, the US-led coalition’s compliance regime, along with the imposition of fresh sanctions, underscores its commitment to addressing these challenges and exerting economic pressures on Russia. The success of the Biden administration’s auction also demonstrates the resilience of the oil and gas industry. As the market continues to navigate through these complex dynamics, it remains to be seen how prices will be influenced in the coming months.
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