Oil Mixed, Retreats from 2014 Highs but Tight Supply Limits Losses

Oil was mixed on Thursday morning in Asia and was in retreat mode after hitting 2014 highs. However, strong fuel demand and tight supply remained factors to limit losses as investors took profits.

Brent oil futures edged down 0.14% to $88.32 by 11:35 PM ET (4:35 AM GMT), after hitting $89.13, its highest since October 2014, during the previous session. WTI futures inched up 0.01% to $85.81.

“The International Energy Agency said global oil demand is on track to hit pre-pandemic levels,” ANZ bank analysts said in a note.

“Shorter-term supply disruptions are also helping tighten markets. Brent futures rallied sharply after reports a key oil pipeline running from Iraq to Turkey was knocked out by an explosion.”

Tuesday’s explosion near the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline in Southeastern Turkey halted the flow of crude. However, supply through the pipeline has resumed, however, officials said a day later.

Supply concerns elsewhere remain elevated, after Yemen’s Houthi group attacked the United Arab Emirates, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)’s third-largest producer, earlier in the week.

Tensions between Russia and the U.S. over Ukraine also remain high, with a large Russian presence built up near the border with Ukraine. Concerns about a potential armed conflict and subsequent supply disruptions are also mounting.

A broad recovery in fuel demand globally, combined with a tightening market, is also adding to the black liquid’s woes. OPEC and allies (OPEC+) is struggling to hit its monthly output increase target of 400,000 barrels per day (bpd). Some investors are also predicting that an oil rally may continue in the next few months, where prices could top the $100 mark.

Meanwhile, Wednesday’s U.S. crude oil supply from the American Petroleum Institute showed a build of 1.404 million for the week ending Jan. 7. Forecasts prepared by Investing.com predicted a 1.367-million-barrel draw, and the 1.077-million-barrel draw was recorded during the previous week