Oil prices mixed in Asia as supply worries return

[SINGAPORE] Oil prices diverged in Asia on Thursday as a report showing increased production by the Opec cartel bolstered expectations a supply glut will persist well into next year.

Weak economic data from the United States and China further confirmed the global economic slowdown this year and next projected by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, likely denting oil demand.

Traders are also awaiting the release later on Thursday of data on US commercial crude inventories in the week ending October 9 to gauge demand in the world's top oil consumer.

Market observers expect a build in the stockpiles, which would indicate softer demand.

US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for November delivery dipped 0.28 per cent to US$46.54 and Brent crude for November, which expires Thursday, climbed 0.31 per cent to US$49.30 at around 0330 GMT. Both contracts fell on Wednesday.

The recent price falls for both contracts have wiped out most of last week's nine per cent gains that helped WTI breach US$50 a barrel for the first time since July.

"Oil prices tumbled... this week as investors reacted to the Opec monthly report and China economic data," said Sanjeev Gupta, head of the Asia Pacific oil and gas practice at professional services firm EY.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries said its output rose by 110,000 barrels per day to 31.5 million in September as the group continued to pump above its target.

Mr Gupta added that traders were still concerned about the Chinese economy following weak trade and inflation data this week, while US retail sales figures Wednesday were also well be low expectations.

AFP