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Crude Oil Prices Pull Below $70 as Rising Fuel Stockpiles Cools the Rally

Crude Oil Prices Pull Below $70 as Rising Fuel Stockpiles Cools the Rally

Margaret Yang, CFA, Former Strategist

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CRUDE OIL PRICE OUTLOOK:

  • WTI retreated for a second day after surging above the $70 mark for the first time in over 2 years
  • US gasoline inventories climbed 7 million barrels last week, denting demand optimism
  • Oil prices remain in a bullish shape, thus a minor correction may not derail its upward trajectory
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Crude oil prices extended lower during Thursday’s APAC session after falling 0.4% a day ago. Sentiment soured after the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a 7-million-barrel build in motor gasoline stockpiles for the week ending June 4th – the highest seen since April 2020. This may signal swelling supply conditions as refiners ramped up production to meet demand for the summer driving season. A large build in gasoline and distillate fuel oil inventories undermined a larger-than-expected fall in crude stockpiles (chart below).

While crude inventories have fallen over 10 million barrels for the last two weeks, gasoline stocks have increased 8.5 million barrels. It suggests that demand is probably not as strong as previously anticipated, spurring profit-taking activity as prices hit a two-and-half year high.

EIA Weekly Petroleum Status Report – Week June 4th 2021

Source: eia.gov

Oil prices have nearly doubled since November, propelled by the global economic recovery and vaccine rollouts. OPEC+ have upgraded the outlook for global energy demand for the second half of the year, preparing to gradually ease production curbs to meet rising fuel needs. The favourable macro background may pave the way for oil prices to extend higher despite near-term volatility.

Meanwhile, traders are eyeing the resumption of nuclear accord talks between Iran and the world powers today. While no major breakthroughs in the deal has been made so far, the anticipation of the return of Iranian oil supply in the future may still weigh on prices. In view of the Iran presidential election to be held on June 18th, the likelihood for a meaningful deal to be struck before that remains thin.

WTI vs. Crude and Gasoline Inventory Changes – Past 12 Months

Source: Bloomberg, DailyFX

Technically, WTI hit an immediate chart resistance at $70.00 and has since entered a minor correction. The overall trend remains bullish-biased, as suggested by the upward-sloped SMA lines. The MACD indicator is flattening and may start to form a bearish crossover, pointing to weakening momentum.

The previous resistance - $ 66.50 – has now become an immediate support level.

WTI Crude Oil Price – Daily Chart

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--- Written by Margaret Yang, Strategist for DailyFX.com

To contact Margaret, use the Comments section below or @margaretyjy on Twitter

DailyFX provides forex news and technical analysis on the trends that influence the global currency markets.

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