WTI extends downside to near $67.50 on OPEC+ output rise, tariff threats
- WTI price trades in negative territory near $67.65 in Wednesday’s early Asian session.
- OPEC+ said it will proceed with a plan to increase oil production from April.
- Crude oil stockpiles in the US fell by 1.455 million barrels last week, according to the API.
- Trump’s tariff threats could undermine the WTI price.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US crude oil benchmark, is trading around $67.65 during the early Asian session on Wednesday. The WTI price attracts some sellers amid geopolitical concerns, the OPEC+ production increase announcement and US tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China.
On Monday, OPEC+, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia, said it will proceed with a plan to increase oil production from April. This increase follows a series of output cuts made by OPEC+ to stabilize the market.
"The change in OPEC strategy looks like they are prioritizing politics over price. Those politics are likely connected with the wheeling and dealing of Donald Trump,” said Bjarne Schieldrop, chief commodities analyst at SEB.
Crude Oil inventories saw a larger-than-expected drop last week. The American Petroleum Institute (API) weekly report showed crude oil stockpiles in the United States for the week ending February 28 fell by 1.455 million barrels, compared to a decline of 640,000 barrels in the previous week. The market consensus estimated that stocks would decrease by 300,000 barrels.
US President Donald Trump confirmed that tariffs on Canada and Mexico would go into effect on Tuesday. The measures Trump had previously reaffirmed the new March date after having initially set it for April. Additionally, tariffs on imports of Chinese goods were increased to 20% from 10%. Analysts expect the tariffs to curb economic activity and demand for energy, weighing on the WTI price.
WTI Oil FAQs
WTI Oil is a type of Crude Oil sold on international markets. The WTI stands for West Texas Intermediate, one of three major types including Brent and Dubai Crude. WTI is also referred to as “light” and “sweet” because of its relatively low gravity and sulfur content respectively. It is considered a high quality Oil that is easily refined. It is sourced in the United States and distributed via the Cushing hub, which is considered “The Pipeline Crossroads of the World”. It is a benchmark for the Oil market and WTI price is frequently quoted in the media.
Like all assets, supply and demand are the key drivers of WTI Oil price. As such, global growth can be a driver of increased demand and vice versa for weak global growth. Political instability, wars, and sanctions can disrupt supply and impact prices. The decisions of OPEC, a group of major Oil-producing countries, is another key driver of price. The value of the US Dollar influences the price of WTI Crude Oil, since Oil is predominantly traded in US Dollars, thus a weaker US Dollar can make Oil more affordable and vice versa.
The weekly Oil inventory reports published by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Energy Information Agency (EIA) impact the price of WTI Oil. Changes in inventories reflect fluctuating supply and demand. If the data shows a drop in inventories it can indicate increased demand, pushing up Oil price. Higher inventories can reflect increased supply, pushing down prices. API’s report is published every Tuesday and EIA’s the day after. Their results are usually similar, falling within 1% of each other 75% of the time. The EIA data is considered more reliable, since it is a government agency.
OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is a group of 12 Oil-producing nations who collectively decide production quotas for member countries at twice-yearly meetings. Their decisions often impact WTI Oil prices. When OPEC decides to lower quotas, it can tighten supply, pushing up Oil prices. When OPEC increases production, it has the opposite effect. OPEC+ refers to an expanded group that includes ten extra non-OPEC members, the most notable of which is Russia.
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