Oil prices steadied on Sept. 29 as indications that OPEC+ might cut output were tempered by a stronger dollar and weak economic outlook.
Brent crude futures for November edged up 26 cents, or 0.3%, to $89.58 a barrel by 1354 GMT. The more active December contract eased 13 cents, or 0.2%, to $87.92.
U.S. crude futures for November eased by 8 cents, or 0.1%, to $82.07.
Leading members of OPEC+ have begun discussions about an oil output cut when they meet on Oct. 5, two sources from the producer group told Reuters.
One source from OPEC said a cut looks likely, but gave no indication of volumes.
Reuters reported this week that Russia is likely to propose that OPEC+ reduce oil output by about 1 million bbl/d.
Hurricane Ian also provided price support. About 157,706 bbl/d of oil production was shut down in the Gulf of Mexico as of Sept. 28, according to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.
Both crude benchmarks had rebounded in the previous two sessions from nine-month lows earlier in the week, buoyed by a temporary dive in the dollar index and a larger than expected U.S. fuel inventory drawdown.
However, the dollar index rose again on Sept. 29, dampening investor risk appetite and stoking recession fears, sending both crude contracts lower earlier in the session.
The Bank of England said it is committed to buying as many long-dated government bonds as needed between Wednesday and Oct. 14 to stabilize its currency after the British government’s budget plans announced last week sent sterling tumbling.
Goldman Sachs cut its 2023 oil price forecast on Sept. 27, citing expectations of weaker demand and a stronger U.S. dollar, but said global supply disappointments reinforced its long-term bullish outlook.
In China, the world’s biggest crude oil importer, travel during the forthcoming week-long national holiday is set to hit its lowest level in years as Beijing’s zero-COVID rules keep people at home while economic woes curb spending.
Citi economists have lowered their China GDP forecast for the fourth quarter to 4.6% growth year-on-year from 5% expected previously.
“Stringent zero-COVID measures and a weak property sector continue to cloud growth prospects,” Citi analysts wrote on Sept. 28.
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