OPEC output in June fell 100,000 bpd, misses target -survey. Norway strike this week could cut output(Updates prices, adds quotes, previous KUALA LUMPUR)
Oil edged lower on Monday as fears of a global recession that would hit demand overshadowed concerns of tight supply amid lower OPEC output, unrest in Libya and sanctions on Russia.
Figures on Friday showed Euro zone inflation hit yet anotherrecord high in June, firming the case for rapid European Central Bank rate hikes starting this month. U.S. consumer sentiment hit a record low in June.
Brent crude fell 33 cents, or 0.3%, to $111.30 abarrel at 0815 GMT, after falling over $1 in early trade.U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slipped 40cents, or 0.4%, to $108.03. “The risk is tilted to the downside as traders are concerned about slowing oil demand due to a strong possibility of an economic recession taking place in the U.S. and in other parts of the world,” said Naeem Aslam of Avatrade.
Brent came close this year to an all-time high of $147 abarrel reached in 2008 as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine added to supply concerns. Despite concern of a recession, tight supply is limiting losses.
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries missed a target to boost output in June, a Reuters survey found. Ecuador’s production has been hit by unrest recently,and a strike in Norway could cut supply this week.
“This backdrop of mounting supply outages is colliding witha possible spare production capacity shortage among MiddleEastern oil producers,” said Stephen Brennock of oil broker PVM.
“And without new oil production hitting markets soon, priceswill be forced higher.” (Additional reporting by Sonali Paul in Melbourne and Emily Chow in Kuala Lumpur; editing by Jason Neely)