Oil market strengthening in the second half of 1992
This paper reports that the economy and events in the Middle East continue to drive the oil market. Saudi Arabia's decision in March to reduce crude oil output boosted prices by about $3/bbl and may have signaled a significant change in the kingdom's price strategy. With Kuwaiti production capacity still less then its levels before the Iraqi invasion of 1990, with Iraqi exports still crimped by an international embargo, and with Saudi Arabia producing less than before, the market looks tight for the rest of the year. Last year's war to liberate Kuwait temporarily eliminated much of the surplus production capacity with which the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries had grappled for several years. This year, oil supply and demand have stayed in rough balance, even with Kuwaiti crude returning to the market. Two prospects have made traders nervous: resumption of Iraqi exports at significant levels and deliberate Saudi overproduction aimed at suppressing prices. The Saudi production cut put one of those fears to temporary rest. And negotiations between Baghdad and the United Nations over the Iraqi embargo seem unlikely to produce results for at least a while. Demand growth, meanwhile, will depend on economic performances of key oil consuming countries. In the US, modest economic recovery has increased industrial activity and stimulated demand for petroleum products. Crude oil and product prices began rising in April. Refiner additions to crude stocks have further added to the call on shrinking crude supplies, helping to lift prices. In turn, product prices have risen. With continued economic growth, prices will climb modestly throughout the year.
- OSTI ID:
- 7232709
- Journal Information:
- Oil and Gas Journal; (United States), Vol. 90:30; ISSN 0030-1388
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
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