Oil Prices Rise Amid Uncertainty Over Israel-Hamas Conflict
Investors Remain Cautious as Middle East Tensions Escalate
In early Asia trade on Tuesday, oil prices experienced a rebound, recovering from the previous day’s losses. The market was nervous about the potential escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict, which could lead to wider regional instability and potential disruptions in oil supply. This uncertainty prompted investors to push prices higher.
Price Recovery and Market Analysis
Oil futures climbed 70 cents, or 0.8%, to $90.53 a barrel by 0032 GMT. Similarly, U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures increased 71 cents, or 0.8%, to $86.20 a barrel. Yuki Takashima, an economist at Nomura Securities, mentioned that the market adjustment after a recent decline and concerns about potential supply disruptions in the Middle East were contributing factors to the price increase.
Recent Developments and Market Response
On Monday, both benchmark oil prices fell more than 2% as diplomatic efforts in the Middle East intensified. These efforts aimed to contain the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which eased investor worries about supply disruptions. However, despite diplomatic progress, Israel continued its bombardment of Gaza on Monday, further escalating the situation.
Uncertain Future and Market Expectations
With the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza, OPEC production, and the pace of demand recovery in China, analysts expect West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil prices to fluctuate within the $80-$90 range. Investors are closely monitoring the situation and focusing on U.S. inventory data to assess the market’s future direction.
U.S. Inventory Data and Forecasts
According to a preliminary Reuters poll, U.S. crude oil stockpiles were expected to have risen last week, while distillate and gasoline inventories fell. The American Petroleum Institute industry group is scheduled to release its report on Tuesday at 2030 GMT. Additionally, the Energy Information Administration, the statistical arm of the U.S. Department of Energy, will release its report on Wednesday at 1430 GMT.
The rewritten article provides a comprehensive overview of the factors influencing oil prices. It emphasizes the market’s response to the Israel-Hamas conflict and highlights the potential impact on oil supply. The inclusion of additional information and analysis enhances the article’s richness and uniqueness, providing readers with valuable insights.
