Oil prices steady as market awaits clarity on Opec+ output cuts

[NEW YORK] Oil prices were little changed in choppy trade on Thursday as investors awaited a decision from top crude producers on whether to extend record output cuts.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) and allies led by Russia, a group known as Opec+, are debating when to hold ministerial talks to discuss a possible extension of the existing cuts.

Brent crude futures ended the session 20 cents, or 0.5 per cent higher, at US$39.99 a barrel after a volatile session. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 12 cents to US$37.41.

Saudi Arabia and Russia, two of the world's biggest oil producers, want to extend cuts of 9.7 million barrels per day (bpd) that major producers agreed to in April. But a suggestion by Opec president Algeria to meet on Thursday was delayed amid talks about poor compliance by some producers.

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates are not planning to extend voluntary additional output cuts of 1.18 million bpd after June, indicating that crude supply could rise next month regardless of any Opec+ decision.

"Opec appears 'damned if they do and damned if they don't' with regard to extended near term production reductions," Jim Ritterbusch, president of Ritterbusch and Associates, said.

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"Any decision to forgo any extension of current cuts would easily unleash a near term selling spree while an agreement to extend cuts beyond next month would have longer term bearish implications as upward adjustments to third quarter shale production forecasts would likely be required."

Concerns about a resurgence of US shale production, which is already showing signs of revival, was one reason Moscow and Russia only backed prolonging cuts into July rather than agreeing a longer extension, sources briefed on Opec+ talks have said.

Meanwhile, US government data on Wednesday showed large increases in fuel inventories as demand remains impaired due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"Large oil inventory builds across the US, Europe and Japan last week are weighing on oil prices," UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said.

"Also the uncertainty if Opec+ solves the impasse with countries with a weak compliance level is not helping."

Striking a bullish note, however, Russia's Energy Minister said the oil market in July could face a shortage of three to five million bpd, Interfax news agency reported.

REUTERS