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Natural Gas and Oil Analysis: Geopolitical Tensions Drive 6% Weekly Surge in Prices

By:
Arslan Ali
Published: Feb 9, 2024, 12:20 GMT+00:00

Brent and WTI surge nearly 6% due to Middle East tensions, underscoring global oil market's sensitivity to geopolitical shifts. While Natural gas sees a 3.16% drop amidst complex global dynamics, including new U.S. sanctions and Chinese economic pressures.

Energy Recap

In this article:

Key Insights

  • Brent and WTI crude poised for 6% weekly gain amid ongoing Middle East tensions.
  • New U.S. sanctions and Chinese deflationary pressures add complexity to oil price dynamics.
  • Natural gas dips significantly, reflecting a bearish sentiment and potential for further decline.

Oil Prices Steady Amid Middle East Tensions and Global Dynamics

Oil prices remained relatively steady on Friday, with both Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude experiencing minor adjustments, yet poised for a nearly 6% weekly gain amidst ongoing Middle East tensions.

This is after Israel declined a ceasefire proposal from Hamas, escalating conflicts particularly around Rafah. The situation has introduced a conflict-premium into oil prices, underscoring the market’s sensitivity to geopolitical developments.

Despite the tensions, there has been no direct impact on oil production, even as non-OPEC countries like Norway and Guyana ramp up output and Russia’s exports exceed OPEC+ commitments due to refinery issues.

Additionally, new U.S. sanctions on entities and a tanker for breaching the Russian oil price cap, coupled with deflationary pressures in China, are influencing global oil price dynamics.

About the Author

Arslan, a webinar speaker and derivatives analyst, has an MBA in Finance and MPhil in Behavioral Finance. He guides financial analysis, trading, and cryptocurrency forecasting. Expert in trading psychology and sentiment.

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