Prices could receive additional support now from the latest GDP data from China, which showed the country hit its target for 2024, at 5%, versus analyst expectations of 4.9% growth. Even with forecasts about peak demand for crude oil, China’s economy is still dependent on hydrocarbons, meaning the news is bullish for crude.
The focus of the BHP-Anglo deal was on copper, as demand prospects for the basic metal remain extremely bright amid the energy transition push. Copper would be a key consideration for a potential tie-up between Rio and Glencore as well, with majors angling for access to more of the transition metal.
The outgoing U.S. administration last Friday slapped the most severe sanctions on Russia’s oil yet, designating two major Russian oil companies, Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, as well as 183 vessels, dozens of oil traders, oilfield service providers, insurance companies, and energy officials.
Just days after the US imposed sweeping sanctions on the Russian oil industry, NATO committed to a new strategy in the Baltic Sea designed to protect critical undersea infrastructure including pipelines from sabotage attacks it said are linked to Russian shadow fleets.
In October of that year, Opec+ members agreed to cut output by 2 million bpd oil after benchmark prices fell by around a quarter from above $110 per barrel as recession fears trumped conflict-related supply concerns.
US onshore driller Helmerich & Payne (H&P) has closed its $1.97 billion acquisition of UK competitor KCA Deutag, and in the process it acquired the remaining 10% of KCA Deutag that had been held by Italian contractor Saipem.
Russian privately held oil producer Lukoil appointed Sergey Kochkurov as executive chairman, replacing Vadim Vorobyov, who resigned after being included on the US sanctions list.
Australia’s offshore regulator Nopsema has slapped Subsea7 with an improvement notice relating to its multipurpose vessel Seven Pegasus, after some workers onboard contacted Nopsema stating that fatigue is affecting their work.
The oil price rally that kicked off last week after the Biden administration announced the harshest sanctions yet on Russian oil has carried over into the new week. Brent crude for March delivery rose to above $82 per barrel this afternoon, while WTI crude for February delivery gained topped $80 per barrel.
The Permian in West Texas and southeastern New Mexico continues to be the most prolific oil and gas producing basin in the United States, accounting for most of the output at the biggest public onshore producers and representing the bulk of oil and gas production at the top 50 producers.