Middle East Tensions Keep Oil Prices Near Three-Week Highs, China’s Economic Recovery Offers Support

Oil prices remained close to three-week highs on Tuesday, buoyed by ongoing tensions in the Middle East and signs of economic recovery in China.

Brent crude oil, against which Nigerian oil is priced, dipped by 29 cents to settle at $83.27 a barrel while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil fell 38 cents to $78.08 a barrel.

Geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East, particularly heightened by Iran-aligned Houthi attacks on shipping lanes, continued to influence market sentiment.

The Houthis’ recent strikes have targeted vessels in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, escalating concerns about disruptions to global shipping.

Meanwhile, China’s economic resilience served as a counterbalance to the geopolitical tensions. The country’s tourism revenue surged by 47.3% year-on-year, surpassing pre-COVID levels during the Lunar New Year holiday.

Also, China implemented a record cut to a benchmark mortgage reference rate to stabilize its property market and economy.

Despite these supportive factors, concerns about global oil demand lingered following a bearish report by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The IEA revised its 2024 oil demand growth forecast downward, reflecting the ongoing transition to cleaner energy sources worldwide.

As such, market participants remain vigilant about the delicate balance between geopolitical risks and demand dynamics influencing oil prices.