Supply/Demand Analytics on 2024 Oil: IEA-EIA Demand Projection
Dear Esteemed Members,
There are several fundamental factors that could support the oil price reaching $76.09 per barrel, which is the highest level since November 2014.
As the global economy rebounds from the pandemic, the demand for oil is expected to increase, especially in the second half of 2024. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that global oil demand will grow by 5.4 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2024, reaching 99.6 million bpd by the end of the year.
The OPEC+ group of oil producers, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, has been maintaining a cautious approach to increasing output, in order to balance the market and avoid oversupply. The group agreed in April to gradually raise production by 2.1 million bpd between May and July, but this is still below the pre-pandemic levels of output. Moreover, Saudi Arabia has voluntarily cut an extra 1 million bpd from its production since February, which it plans to phase out by July.
The US shale industry, which was hit hard by the price collapse in 2020, has been showing signs of discipline and prudence, focusing on improving cash flow and shareholder returns rather than expanding production. The US oil rig count, a proxy for drilling activity, has increased by about 100 rigs since the start of the year, but it is still more than 300 rigs lower than a year ago. The EIA estimates that US crude oil production will average 11.2 million bpd in 2024, which is 0.3 million bpd lower than in 2020.
The oil market is always susceptible to geopolitical tensions and conflicts that could disrupt supply or create uncertainty. Some of the current hotspots include Iran, Libya, Nigeria, and Venezuela. Iran, which has been under US sanctions that limit its oil exports, is engaged in indirect talks with the US to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, which could lead to a lifting of sanctions and a return of Iranian oil to the market. However, the outcome of the negotiations is uncertain and could face opposition from hardliners in both countries. Libya, which has been plagued by civil war and instability, has seen its oil production fluctuate due to frequent attacks and blockades on its oil facilities. The country is currently producing around 1.2 million bpd, but it faces challenges in maintaining and increasing its output amid political and security risks. Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, is facing social unrest and militant attacks that could affect its oil infrastructure and exports. The country is also struggling to implement a long-awaited reform of its oil sector, which could improve its governance and attract investment. Venezuela, which has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, has seen its oil industry collapse due to mismanagement, corruption, and US sanctions. The country’s oil production has fallen from over 3 million bpd in the late 1990s to less than 0.5 million bpd in 2020.
Kind Regards,
Ely
There are several fundamental factors that could support the oil price reaching $76.09 per barrel, which is the highest level since November 2014.
As the global economy rebounds from the pandemic, the demand for oil is expected to increase, especially in the second half of 2024. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that global oil demand will grow by 5.4 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2024, reaching 99.6 million bpd by the end of the year.
The OPEC+ group of oil producers, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, has been maintaining a cautious approach to increasing output, in order to balance the market and avoid oversupply. The group agreed in April to gradually raise production by 2.1 million bpd between May and July, but this is still below the pre-pandemic levels of output. Moreover, Saudi Arabia has voluntarily cut an extra 1 million bpd from its production since February, which it plans to phase out by July.
The US shale industry, which was hit hard by the price collapse in 2020, has been showing signs of discipline and prudence, focusing on improving cash flow and shareholder returns rather than expanding production. The US oil rig count, a proxy for drilling activity, has increased by about 100 rigs since the start of the year, but it is still more than 300 rigs lower than a year ago. The EIA estimates that US crude oil production will average 11.2 million bpd in 2024, which is 0.3 million bpd lower than in 2020.
The oil market is always susceptible to geopolitical tensions and conflicts that could disrupt supply or create uncertainty. Some of the current hotspots include Iran, Libya, Nigeria, and Venezuela. Iran, which has been under US sanctions that limit its oil exports, is engaged in indirect talks with the US to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, which could lead to a lifting of sanctions and a return of Iranian oil to the market. However, the outcome of the negotiations is uncertain and could face opposition from hardliners in both countries. Libya, which has been plagued by civil war and instability, has seen its oil production fluctuate due to frequent attacks and blockades on its oil facilities. The country is currently producing around 1.2 million bpd, but it faces challenges in maintaining and increasing its output amid political and security risks. Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, is facing social unrest and militant attacks that could affect its oil infrastructure and exports. The country is also struggling to implement a long-awaited reform of its oil sector, which could improve its governance and attract investment. Venezuela, which has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, has seen its oil industry collapse due to mismanagement, corruption, and US sanctions. The country’s oil production has fallen from over 3 million bpd in the late 1990s to less than 0.5 million bpd in 2020.
Kind Regards,
Ely
Comment:
I can't say Oil has made too much bullish progress, but it's in the demand zone. I've no reason to assume it'd go anywhere if not up. I think it might still rally from this zone.