Oil dips on rising Covid-19 cases, but posts second straight week of gains
Oil prices edged lower on Friday, dragged down by concerns that a spike in COVID-19 cases in the United States and Europe will continue to drag on demand in two of the world’s biggest fuel-consuming regions.
OPEC+, a grouping of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and ally producers including Russia, fear a prolonged second wave of the pandemic and a jump in Libyan output could push the oil market into surplus next year, according to a confidential document seen by Reuters, a much gloomier outlook than just a month ago.
Brent crude futures fell 23 cents to settle at $42.93 a barrel, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures dropped 8 cents to settle at $40.88 a barrel.
OPEC+ is set to ease its current supply cuts of 7.7 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2 million bpd in January.
In the United States, drillers have begun adding oil rigs since cutting them to a 15-year low in August. This week, they added the most oil rigs in a week since January, increasing the count by 12 to 205, energy services firm Baker Hughes Co said.
Putin and Saudi crown prince discuss OPEC+ agreements and coronavirus
“Both sides have reiterated their willingness to continue close coordination in this area in order to maintain stability on the global energy market,” Russian’s statement said.