Traders in the oil market have been heavily investing in futures contracts for the six most traded crude and fuel options after Saudi Arabia and Russia announced an extension of their supply cut. However, according to Reuters’ market analyst John Kemp, the increasing number of bullish wagers on oil prices suggests that a correction may be on the horizon. While some analysts anticipate even higher prices, with JP Morgan predicting that Brent could reach $150 per barrel, others warn that high interest rates, growing supply from non-OPEC nations, and an expected increase in supply from Russia could undermine the demand for oil in the near future.
The Federal Reserve has been monitoring the rise in energy prices closely, acknowledging that it may impact consumer expectations for inflation and spending. The central bank has been striving to balance between recession and growth, making risky moves such as extensive rate hikes to fix the US economy. Although rising oil prices have made life more expensive, it seems to have not dampened the demand for oil. Energy prices will continue to be monitored as they are crucial to overall economic stability. Non-OPEC supply growth, mainly from the US, remains uncertain amid Occidental Petroleum’s commitment to not change its production plans despite the surge in oil prices.
As inflation takes a toll on Western consumers’ spending habits, the combination of constrained supply and rising prices may result in demand destruction. However, conditions are unlikely to stay unchanged for long. Balancing the need for higher prices with the risk of pushing them too high is a challenge faced by key OPEC members Saudi Arabia and Russia.