Analysts named the factors exerting pressure on the oil market

Yesterday ended with a decline in oil prices under the psychological level of $80 per barrel. What was the reason for this impressive fall?

The weakening of the oil market was recorded even despite the positive data on oil and petroleum products reserves in the United States. Yesterday, a report from the EIA was published, showing a decrease in oil reserves by 2.1 million barrels, which turned out to be better than forecasts for a decrease of 1.4 million barrels. Production decreased from 11.5 to 11.4 million b/d, net imports fell by 0.5 million b/d. 

Oil sales accelerated after reports emerged that the United States is negotiating with other major global consumers, including China, India and Japan, to release oil reserves to compensate for market shortages. Back in early November, Washington criticized the slow pace of OPEC+ production growth, declaring its intention to use all tools to reduce energy prices.

At the same time, an increasing number of market participants are skeptical about oil prices. Fresh forecasts from the EIA, IEA and OPEC indicate a surplus throughout 2022, starting from the first quarter. The OPEC Secretary General even said that a surplus could be observed as early as December. And with such forecasts, the news about the possible release of stocks finally «crushed» the quotes. 

During Thursday's trading day, Brent still managed to recover to $80.85 per barrel, but you can forget about updating the highs (which market participants were sure of until recently), experts say.