Oil prices edged lower on Thursday as investors looked past renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, focusing instead on weakening demand prospects, ample global supplies and expectations that US interest rates could remain higher for longer.
International benchmark Brent crude traded at $84.56 per barrel at 10.10 a.m. local time (0710 GMT), down 0.5% from the previous close of $84.95.
US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) traded at $79.49 per barrel, down 0.8% from $80.17 in the previous session.
Despite renewed tensions after US President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire with Iran over, oil prices have largely remained within a $70 to $90 per barrel range, suggesting markets see little immediate risk of a prolonged supply disruption.
According to a blog post by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), softer demand, higher production and the release of emergency oil stockpiles have so far prevented a sharper increase in prices, while underscoring the importance of a rapid recovery in supply to limit damage to the global economy.
The IMF also warned that the buffer that helped absorb the initial shock is gradually shrinking. With spare production capacity being utilized and inventories declining, the global energy system could become more vulnerable to future supply disruptions if emergency stockpiles are not replenished.
Meanwhile, expectations surrounding US Federal Reserve (Fed) monetary policy continued to influence market sentiment.
Although expectations for another Fed interest rate increase have eased, they remain reflected in market pricing. Ahead of key US inflation data, money markets pushed back expectations for a potential rate hike from September to December.
The relatively muted market reaction to the US-Israel-Iran conflict has reinforced the view that the Fed has greater flexibility to delay additional monetary tightening.
However, escalating tensions following intensified US military operations against Iran continue to cloud the outlook. Investors remain concerned that any renewed increase in energy prices could slow the disinflation process and keep inflationary pressures elevated.
While oil prices have retreated from recent highs, elevated crude prices continue to support inflation concerns and expectations of tighter monetary conditions, which could weigh on economic growth and, in turn, curb fuel demand.
By Duygu Alhan
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr