West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Crude Oil barrels are continuing to grind into the low side on Thursday, struggling to develop momentum as barrel traders chew on the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) row that sees proponents for further production cuts coming to loggerheads with smaller Crude Oil producers looking to increase their production in order to defend their energy exporting sectors.
Crude oil prices are down over 6% this week as China increases virus-curbing measures after a surprise US stockpile build. A major US refinery is back online, but WTI’s chart shows a breakout chance.
Crude oil prices fell around 2% on Monday as lockdowns across China ramped up. Traders await inventory data from the EIA ahead of major macro data, including the FOMC rate decision and the US jobs report.
WTI and Brent crude oil prices are little changed after US inventory data revealed record high exports. An upcoming Russian fuel ban by the EU is disrupting international flows and supply lines.
Crude oil prices are retreating after rising on Monday. China's battle against Covid remains a bearish drag despite a breakdown in talks between Tehran and Washington. US inventory reports are in focus.