“Oil Prices Slip on Increased Russian Supply and Jet Fuel Caution”

Oil prices faced a dip on Tuesday, driven by various factors including the anticipation of heightened supply from Russia and cautious trading ahead of the Federal Reserve’s decision on U.S. interest rates.

Crude oil prices 

The Brent crude oil futures contract for May delivery edged down by 15 cents to $86.74 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) prices saw a decline of 14 cents to $82.02. Additionally, the WTI April contract, set to expire tomorrow, also fell by 15 cents to $82.57.

The previous session witnessed both benchmarks reaching four-month highs, propelled by lower crude exports from major producers like Saudi Arabia and Iraq, coupled with signs of robust demand and economic growth in China and the U.S.

However, concerns over Russian supply persisted, attributed to increased exports following Ukrainian attacks on the country’s oil infrastructure. Analysts from JP Morgan noted potential reductions in Russian crude runs due to these attacks, which could lead to higher crude oil exports as a result.

Russia’s decision to boost oil exports through its western ports in March further added pressure on prices. Daily shipments are expected to increase by 10% compared to the initial plan for March.

Uncertainty loomed over U.S. interest rates, with the Federal Reserve meeting scheduled for March 20. This uncertainty contributed to cautious trading, with analysts awaiting signals on rate cuts from the meeting.

Meanwhile, analysts expressed some caution regarding demand growth in the jet fuel sector ahead of the summer travel season. While global jet fuel prices are anticipated to rise, a potential global economic slowdown could temper consumption and limit price upside.

Overall, the oil market remains influenced by a delicate balance of supply dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and economic factors, highlighting the volatility inherent in the energy sector.