empty
26.01.2021 11:31 AM
Falling into the abyss: oil has big problems ahead

This image is no longer relevant

Crude oil prices resumed negative dynamics on Tuesday morning amid a strained situation with the level of demand for black gold, which is limited against the background of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the rapid growth of infection. The problems associated with the long-awaited mass vaccination, namely the fact that it is going too slowly, only exacerbates the whole picture.

A new wave of coronavirus infection in China is adding fuel to the fire, which is now becoming almost obvious and inevitable, although the authorities are making every effort to rectify the situation. All this is already exerting serious negative pressure on the crude oil market, where demand is declining. Recall that China is one of the largest importers of oil in the world, and the level of consumption of raw materials during the celebration of the Lunar New Year traditionally grows. However, this year, the Chinese government seems to have no choice but to introduce the most stringent restrictive measures on the movement of citizens of the country so as not to repeat the scale of infection that was recorded last winter and spring. The national government is already actively encouraging people to stay at home and postpone their traditional travel to visit relatives. On the one hand, this can have a positive effect in the future, as severe consequences of infection can be avoided, and, consequently, the demand for raw materials will recover faster. On the other hand, the situation on the global black gold market will worsen significantly.

The price of futures contracts for Brent crude oil for delivery in March on the trading floor in London sank 0.68% or $0.38, to $55.5 per barrel. Monday's trading session ended with an increase of 0.9% or $0.47, which sent the final price at $55.88 per barrel. However, as a new day dawned, the problems returned.

The price of futures contracts for WTI crude oil for delivery in March on the electronic trading floor in New York fell 0.63% or $0.33, to $52.44 per barrel. Monday's session ended in the green zone with an increase of 1% or $0.5, sending the final price at $52.77 per barrel.

Seasonal tourist trips in China on the occasion of the celebration of the Lunar New Year should start very soon – on January 28. However, this year looks like it will be special. According to preliminary estimates of analysts, the total number of trips may decrease by at least 40% compared to the same indicator in 2019 and reach only 1.7 billion. This figure is 15% less than the one recorded last year.

The main problem for market participants now is connected with the fact that all the consequences of the travel restrictions imposed in China on the overall level of consumption of crude oil are still unclear. Nevertheless, there are already clearly visible signals indicating that the relationship between supply and demand for black gold is clearly not on the side of the latter. However, some attempts to support the oil supply market also exist, which is good news.

In particular, the Russian oil company, Urals, has already announced that it is going to cut its supplies in February by 2.2 million tons, which is 29% less than the level that was in the first month of 2021. Also, Iraq expressed its desire to reduce its production in the first months of 2021 to compensate for the shortage that was accumulated under the agreement with OPEC signed last year.

One way or another, all these measures may not be enough for the oil market to avoid serious problems soon. In this regard, no expert can yet judge the medium and long-term prospects of its development.

Maria Shablon,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

Trump acts, markets react: Nikkei up 2%, USD rallies

The Nikkei surged more than 2%, S&P 500 futures extended their rally, and the dollar jumped after US President Donald Trump said he has no plans to fire Fed Chairman

12:35 2025-04-23 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for April 23

The US market is showing renewed signs of instability. Positive signals about a potential de-escalation in the trade conflict with China are fueling hope, but experts warn against excessive optimism

Ekaterina Kiseleva 12:17 2025-04-23 UTC+2

Trump says markets react: Nikkei up 2%, dollar strengthens, China awaits outcome

Nikkei jumps more than 2%, S&P 500 futures continue rally Dollar jumps as Trump says he has no plans to fire Powell Hopes for China tariff easing, but no deal

Thomas Frank 10:52 2025-04-23 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for April 22

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 continue to slide as mounting concerns over slowing economic growth and the impact of trade tariffs weigh on sentiment. The market remains volatile, with

Ekaterina Kiseleva 11:13 2025-04-22 UTC+2

Trump, Fed, and gold at $3,000? Markets respond to alarming signals

Investors are worried about the Fed's independence under Trump. US assets are falling, and the dollar is at a three-year low against the euro. Safe-haven currencies like

11:46 2025-04-21 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for April 21

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq slipped once again after Donald Trump lashed out at the Federal Reserve. His comments called the independence of the central bank into question, amplifying inflation

Ekaterina Kiseleva 11:41 2025-04-21 UTC+2

Trump, Fed, $3,000 Gold? Markets React to Red Flags

Investors Worried About Trump Fed Independence US Assets Fall, Dollar Hits Three-Year Low Against Euro Safe-Haven Yen, Swiss Franc Rise Gold Hits New Record High South Korea Stock Market

Thomas Frank 10:18 2025-04-21 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for April 18

Donald Trump ratcheted up his criticism against Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, once again calling for an immediate interest rate cut. This renewed political pressure adds to the tensions surrounding

Ekaterina Kiseleva 12:09 2025-04-18 UTC+2

When Giants Fall: How Alphabet and UnitedHealth Decisions Hurt the Market

Trading on U.S. stock markets ended in disarray on Thursday, with positive news from tech giants and pharma companies colliding with interest rate concerns. Market participants wavered between hopes

Thomas Frank 11:56 2025-04-18 UTC+2

Powell in danger? Can Trump fire Fed Chair and what does that mean for markets?

Donald Trump has once again set his sights on the Federal Reserve, accusing its chairman Jerome Powell of failing in monetary policy and threatening to fire him. But what lies

Аlena Ivannitskaya 08:43 2025-04-18 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.