Oil falls on positive signals from US-Iran talks

[LONDON] Oil prices fell on Monday as signs of a progress in the US-Iran nuclear talks that could lead to a removal of US sanctions on Iranian oil sales offset concerns about the tight supplies.

Brent crude was down 31 cents, or 0.3 per cent, at US$92.96 by 1153 GMT, after earlier touching US$94.00, its highest level since October 2014.

US West Texas Intermediate crude fell 78 US cents, or 0.8 per cent, to US$91.53 a barrel. It had risen to US$92.73 earlier in the session.

US President Joe Biden's administration on Friday restored sanctions waivers to Iran to allow international nuclear cooperation projects, as the talks on the 2015 international nuclear deal enter the final stretch.

Although the sanctions relief will have limited impacts on Iran's struggling economy, they were perceived by the markets as positive signal that both sides are determined to reach a deal.

Iran could quickly export millions of barrels of crude and help drive down red-hot oil prices if US sanctions are lifted. It seems Iran has been moving oil into place to prepare for the eventual resumption of its exports.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies led by Russia, together known as OPEC+, are struggling to meet targets despite pressure from top consumers to raise production more quickly.

Fuelling supply concerns, tensions remain high in Eastern Europe, with White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan saying on Sunday that Russia could invade Ukraine within days or weeks but might still opt for a diplomatic path.

REUTERS 

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