empty
26.01.2021 11:31 AM
Falling into the abyss: oil has big problems ahead

This image is no longer relevant

Crude oil prices resumed negative dynamics on Tuesday morning amid a strained situation with the level of demand for black gold, which is limited against the background of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the rapid growth of infection. The problems associated with the long-awaited mass vaccination, namely the fact that it is going too slowly, only exacerbates the whole picture.

A new wave of coronavirus infection in China is adding fuel to the fire, which is now becoming almost obvious and inevitable, although the authorities are making every effort to rectify the situation. All this is already exerting serious negative pressure on the crude oil market, where demand is declining. Recall that China is one of the largest importers of oil in the world, and the level of consumption of raw materials during the celebration of the Lunar New Year traditionally grows. However, this year, the Chinese government seems to have no choice but to introduce the most stringent restrictive measures on the movement of citizens of the country so as not to repeat the scale of infection that was recorded last winter and spring. The national government is already actively encouraging people to stay at home and postpone their traditional travel to visit relatives. On the one hand, this can have a positive effect in the future, as severe consequences of infection can be avoided, and, consequently, the demand for raw materials will recover faster. On the other hand, the situation on the global black gold market will worsen significantly.

The price of futures contracts for Brent crude oil for delivery in March on the trading floor in London sank 0.68% or $0.38, to $55.5 per barrel. Monday's trading session ended with an increase of 0.9% or $0.47, which sent the final price at $55.88 per barrel. However, as a new day dawned, the problems returned.

The price of futures contracts for WTI crude oil for delivery in March on the electronic trading floor in New York fell 0.63% or $0.33, to $52.44 per barrel. Monday's session ended in the green zone with an increase of 1% or $0.5, sending the final price at $52.77 per barrel.

Seasonal tourist trips in China on the occasion of the celebration of the Lunar New Year should start very soon – on January 28. However, this year looks like it will be special. According to preliminary estimates of analysts, the total number of trips may decrease by at least 40% compared to the same indicator in 2019 and reach only 1.7 billion. This figure is 15% less than the one recorded last year.

The main problem for market participants now is connected with the fact that all the consequences of the travel restrictions imposed in China on the overall level of consumption of crude oil are still unclear. Nevertheless, there are already clearly visible signals indicating that the relationship between supply and demand for black gold is clearly not on the side of the latter. However, some attempts to support the oil supply market also exist, which is good news.

In particular, the Russian oil company, Urals, has already announced that it is going to cut its supplies in February by 2.2 million tons, which is 29% less than the level that was in the first month of 2021. Also, Iraq expressed its desire to reduce its production in the first months of 2021 to compensate for the shortage that was accumulated under the agreement with OPEC signed last year.

One way or another, all these measures may not be enough for the oil market to avoid serious problems soon. In this regard, no expert can yet judge the medium and long-term prospects of its development.

Maria Shablon,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

Feast in the Storm: S&P 500 Celebrates Gains as Dollar Drowns and China Weakens

S&P 500 Posts Sixth Straight Day of Gains Oil Falls More Than 1% China Manufacturing Activity Plummets as Trump Tariffs Continue to Squeeze Dollar Set for Worst Month

Thomas Frank 12:09 2025-04-30 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for April 30

US stock indices remain on a positive trajectory, but market pressure has intensified due to a sharp drop in Super Micro shares and the upcoming earnings reports from tech heavyweights

Ekaterina Kiseleva 11:13 2025-04-30 UTC+2

Stock markets regaining optimism. Where to find new entry points

European stocks rose amid hopes of easing trade tensions between the US and China. WTI oil fell by 1.54% to $62.05, while Brent declined by 1.51% to $65.86

12:42 2025-04-29 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for April 29

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq continue to climb, maintaining their upward momentum despite mixed performances across other sectors. Softer rhetoric from the Trump administration and expectations of further tariff relief

Ekaterina Kiseleva 11:59 2025-04-29 UTC+2

Optimism returns to the markets: where to look for new growth points

European stocks rose amid hopes for a reduction in trade tensions between the US and China. WTI oil fell by 1.54% to $62.05, Brent by 1.51% to $65.86

Thomas Frank 10:42 2025-04-29 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for April 28

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq ended the previous trading session higher, defying choppy performance across Asian and European exchanges. Investors are now focused on the upcoming economic data and earnings

Ekaterina Kiseleva 11:31 2025-04-28 UTC+2

Trump's first 100 days behind us: Markets await tariffs, earnings from giants

Trump policy summaries European stocks rose on Monday after a second straight weekly gain Investors are eyeing tariff changes, as well as a busy week of earnings and economic data

Thomas Frank 11:22 2025-04-28 UTC+2

Wall Street surges: Nasdaq soars 2.74% as tech stocks drive market higher

Procter & Gamble and PepsiCo fell after cutting forecasts, while Hasbro and ServiceNow jumped following their earnings reports. March durable goods orders surged more than expected. Alphabet beat revenue expectations

12:52 2025-04-25 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for April 25

US stock indices closed higher for the third straight session, buoyed by a sharp rally in the technology sector. The Nasdaq surged 2.74%, driven by strong earnings reports from companies

Ekaterina Kiseleva 11:42 2025-04-25 UTC+2

Wall Street on the rise: Nasdaq soars 2.74%, tech leads market higher

Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo fall after forecast cuts Hasbro, ServiceNow jump after results March durable goods jump more than expected Alphabet beats revenue estimates, shares rise after hours Asian markets

Thomas Frank 07:15 2025-04-25 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.