Oil prices surged over $1 a barrel early Monday after OPEC+, the alliance of major oil producers, opted to maintain its current production increase of 411,000 barrels per day (bpd) for July. This decision mirrored the output hikes of the previous two months and eased concerns among traders who feared a steeper increase.
Brent crude climbed $1.34, or 2.13%, reaching $64.12 a barrel by 0346 GMT, reversing Friday’s 0.9% drop. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose $1.52, or 2.5%, to $62.31 a barrel, following a modest 0.3% decline the prior session. Both benchmarks had posted losses of over 1% the previous week.
- OPEC+ July output increase: 411,000 bpd
- Brent crude gain: $1.34 (+2.13%)
- WTI gain: $1.52 (+2.5%)
Market Reactions and Strategic Considerations
Market analysts interpreted OPEC+’s decision as a strategic move to balance market share concerns with stability. “Had they gone through with a surprise larger amount, Monday’s price open would have been pretty ugly,” said Harry Tchilinguirian of Onyx Capital Group.
Traders believe the modest output hike was already priced into futures. Kazakhstan, for instance, has signaled its reluctance to cut production, with Interfax quoting the country’s deputy energy minister last Thursday.
Looking forward, Goldman Sachs projects another 411,000 bpd increase in August. The bank notes that strong global demand, seasonal summer trends, and robust industrial data are likely to support continued output rises.
U.S. Fuel Inventories and Hurricane Season Add Pressure
Low U.S. fuel inventories are adding upward pressure on prices amid concerns over the upcoming hurricane season. ANZ analysts highlighted a significant rise in gasoline implied demand, noting a nearly 1 million bpd weekly jump— the third-highest in the past three years.
Meanwhile, U.S. crude production reached an all-time high of 13.49 million bpd in March. However, the Baker Hughes rig count revealed a fifth consecutive weekly decline, with rigs down by four to 461, marking the lowest count since November 2021.
- U.S. rig count drops to 461
- Crude production hits 13.49 million bpd in March
- Gasoline demand spike: nearly 1 million bpd weekly increase
With OPEC+ maintaining a steady approach and U.S. factors influencing market sentiment, traders are closely watching for the next output decision scheduled for July 6.
