
US Oil Industry Eyes Venezuela Resurgence Amid Political Uncertainty
US oil refiners are preparing for a potential increase in Venezuelan crude oil imports, signaling a possible market shift.
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US oil refiners are preparing for a potential increase in Venezuelan crude oil imports, signaling a possible market shift.

Despite Houthi attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea, oil prices fell as risk-off sentiment in equities markets outweighed the shipping dangers, leaving West Texas Intermediate crude stuck in a narrow trading range.

Money managers made one of their biggest bearish shifts on oil prices in years around the start of 2024, with speculators adding about 61,000 combined short positions in Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude in the week to Jan. 2, marking the most significant increase since March and the second-largest since 2017. This surge in bearish bets suggests a potential downward pressure on oil prices, with slower demand growth cited as a contributing factor.

A groom is facing backlash after delivering cringeworthy wedding vows consisting of one crude line about his bride's backside. The video of Cody Sheehan's vows went viral on TikTok, showing him laughing and admitting he didn't write anything else. The officiant gave him multiple chances to redeem himself, but Sheehan refused. The video has received millions of views and thousands of comments, with many criticizing Sheehan for not expressing his love for his bride.

Despite OPEC+ announcing an extension to their production cuts, crude oil prices fell instead of rising. The counterintuitive move has left many wondering why. The group, which includes OPEC and other producers like Russia, formalized the voluntary cuts by Saudi Arabia and implemented additional output reductions. However, around three hours after the announcement, oil prices dropped. The reasons behind this unexpected decline remain unclear, and it is uncertain whether the bearish move will continue.
Oil prices jumped over 2% as fighting intensified in the Middle East, with the Israeli army expanding its ground operations in Gaza. Concerns of a broader conflict grew after the US struck Iran-backed facilities in Syria, with Iran's involvement being a key focus for the crude market. Despite the rise, oil was still down around 3% for the week due to demand concerns and indications that the fighting could stay contained.

Crude oil prices rose after the US Energy Information Administration reported a 12.5 million barrel drop in inventories in the week to 19 May. The American Petroleum Institute had estimated a 6.7 million barrel increase in crude oil inventories, which surprised traders and prompted increased oil buying that boosted prices. At 455.2 million barrels, US crude oil inventories are 3% below the five-year seasonal average.

Crude oil has broken lower and is trading at levels not seen since the end of 2021 due to the banking problems in the US and Europe with Credit Suisse. The $61.50 level is the next logical support for WTI futures, which held three times on retracements in 2021. The breakeven level for quite a few shale wells and fields is around there too, making it relevant again should we get there. However, whether we do or not, and more importantly what happens if we do, is probably dependent on factors outside of oil.