Exxon Mobil Corp projects that oil and natural gas will still account for 54% of the world's energy needs in 2050, with CO2 emissions doubling the desired scenario set by the IPCC.
A group of oil analysts and economists have raised their 2023 oil price forecasts, predicting Brent crude will average $82.45 a barrel and that Saudi Arabia is likely to extend its voluntary oil supply cut into October.
The outlook for oil prices and Chinese demand, OPEC+ supply curbs, rising flows of Iranian crude, and the transition away from fossil fuels are among the key topics discussed at Asia's largest gathering of industry traders and executives.
Oil prices jumped over 2.5% after OPEC+ members extended supply reductions, with Brent International topping $90 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate hovering above $87 per barrel, as Saudi Arabia announced an extension of its production cut and Russia reduced its exports. Despite slow recovery and increased production, crude futures have rallied more than 25% since late June, with experts predicting prices to continue rising unless a recession occurs. China's demand for petrochemicals has been dampened, but their mobility demand post-lockdowns has offset this.
Saudi Arabia and Russia have announced that they will extend their cuts in oil supplies through the rest of 2023, pushing oil prices higher.
The rebounding crude oil prices and fading annual base effects suggest that energy prices may become a headwind for global markets, potentially complicating the battle against inflation and tightening monetary policies.
Analysts predict that Saudi Arabia may face an economic contraction in 2023 due to its decision to extend crude production cuts, highlighting the nation's heavy reliance on oil, while a large dividend from Saudi Aramco may provide some cushion for public finances.
Most stock markets in the Gulf rose in response to a rise in oil prices, except for the Saudi index which closed lower; however, the International Monetary Fund predicts a further slowdown in Saudi Arabia's GDP growth due to the extension of oil production cuts.
Demand for coal, natural gas, and oil is expected to peak in the near future, even without new climate policies, as a result of the shift towards renewable energy and electric vehicles, according to the International Energy Agency.
Demand for fossil fuels is expected to reach an all-time high before 2030, despite progress in the fight against climate change, according to Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency.
OPEC expects robust growth in global oil demand in 2023 and 2024, with pre-pandemic levels surpassing by 2023, due to signs of strong recovery in major economies despite challenges like high interest rates and inflation.
Oil prices are reaching their highest levels in 10 months, leading to gains for energy stocks like Pioneer Natural Resources and Coterra Energy, prompting Jim Cramer to suggest it's a good time to invest in these companies.
OPEC dismisses claims of peak oil and fossil fuel demand before 2030, stating that peak demand for oil, gas, and coal will not occur until the next decade, contrary to the International Energy Agency's recent projections.
Oil prices continue to rise as OPEC+ supply cuts tighten the market, with Brent crude surpassing $94 a barrel and speculators increasing bullish wagers on Brent and West Texas Intermediate, leading to concerns about inflationary pressures.
The International Energy Agency warns of a deepening oil market deficit in the fourth quarter due to extended Saudi and Russian production cuts, leading to diesel shortages and higher fuel prices impacting sectors such as construction, transport, and farming.
Gasoline prices are rising due to oil supply cuts in Saudi Arabia and Russia, as well as flooding in Libya, but some experts believe that increasing oil prices will not have a significant impact on the US economy and do not expect them to rise much higher in the next year or two due to factors such as increased US oil production, slow global economic growth, and the green energy transition. However, high oil prices can lead to higher inflation, potential recession, and could influence the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates, but the impact may not be as severe as in the past, and some experts recommend investing in the energy transition and adopting a more defensive investment strategy.
Saudi Arabia's energy minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, stated that the decision to extend crude oil supply cuts with Russia is not about raising prices, but rather about making the right decision at the appropriate time based on data and clarity, as oil prices near $100 per barrel and analysts predict further increases.
/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/BSVUUGDZ5RJFDFPBD3W67PO6TE.jpg)