More countries were imposing new restrictions to curb a surge in COVID-19 cases involving the Delta variant. With that, oil prices were dropping towards $70 a barrel. The tensions in the Middle East were helping by keeping price declines in check, however.
On Wednesday, Brent Crude oil futures and West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell by more than $2 a barrel.
By 0837 GMT Brent crude dropped by 38 cents, or 0.54%, to $70 a barrel. It previously dipped below that threshold for the first time since July 21.
U.S. WTI crude dropped by 34 cents, or 0.5%, to $67.81.
In a note on Thursday, analysts at consultancy FGE said China is now facing its most challenging COVID-19 crisis since the initial outbreak was brought under control.
The world’s second-largest oil consumer has imposed restrictions in some cities and cancelled flights. The move is threatening fuel demand.
They said the COVID-19 resurgence and the reimposition of restrictions will have negative repercussions on domestic transport fuel demand in the near term. Moreover, FGE expects gasoline demand to average about 80,000 barrels per day (bpd) less in August than in July, the analysts added.
According to a tally, in the U.S., COVID-19 cases hit a six-month high with more than 100,000 infections reported on Wednesday. The U.S. is the world’s biggest oil consumer.
Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) that showed a surprise 3.6 million barrel build in U.S. crude stockpiles last week was also weighing on prices.
Gold Futures
Meanwhile, on Thursday morning in Asia, gold was little changed. Investors were digesting remarks from a top U.S. Federal Reserve official. The comments hinted that the central bank could begin asset tapering sooner than expected.
By 1:09 AM ET (5:09 AM GMT) gold futures were trading at $1,813.60. The yellow metal rose more than 1% during the previous session.
U.S. Economic Data
The U.S. released economic data that said ADP non-farm employment change was lower than forecast in July, at 330,000.
Moreover, the services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) was 59.9, while the Institute of Supply Management (ISM) non-manufacturing employment was at 53.8. The ISM non-manufacturing PMI was at 64.1.
Investors now await the U.S. jobs report set to be out on Friday, as well as non-farm payrolls.
