Saudi Arabia’s decision to raise crude prices for June across the majority of regions had an impact on oil futures, signalling strong demand expectations for the summer. This adjustment coincided with ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, where the possibility of a Gaza ceasefire remains uncertain, potentially affecting the stability of a critical oil-producing area.
Last week, oil prices saw significant declines, with Brent crude dropping over 7%. This reflects the market’s reaction to weaker U.S. job data and anticipation of Federal Reserve policy adjustments. The reduction in the number of U.S. oil rigs also suggests a tightening supply, further impacting future oil and natural gas price forecasts.