Oil Up as China Trade Robust Amid Virus Concerns

(Bloomberg) -- Oil rose with traders looking for the next catalyst to shake the market out of a recent tight trading range.

Futures were near $60 a barrel in New York, a level around which they have gyrated for almost four weeks. Trade data in China signaled strong momentum in March, despite missing estimates. In the U.S., government figures showed miles traveled on highways over the Easter holiday period were the highest since March 2020, another sign of the rebound in activity in the world’s largest economy.

Pockets of higher oil consumption are emerging worldwide as vaccinations climb. But a flare-up of Covid-19 cases is leading to renewed restrictions in countries like India, where streets are emptying again as the nation tackles a new wave on infections.

The market has failed to shake off near-term demand concerns because of the resurgence of the virus and as bets on global reflation eased. Adding to the bearish outlook is the prospect for more supply from the U.S. next month, which will coincide with an uptick in OPEC+ output.

“As conviction in the reflation trade has faltered a bit, it seems some of that uncertainty has carried over into oil,” said Paul Horsnell, head of commodities research at Standard Chartered. There “doesn’t seem to be much conviction among traders, volumes are low and all a bit lethargic.”

Prices

West Texas Intermediate added 0.5% to $60 a barrel at 10:19 a.m. London time Brent for June settlement rose 0.7% to $63.73

With crude prices struggling for momentum, a gauge of WTI volatility fell to its lowest level since February. Brent’s equivalent was at its lowest in almost a month.

Other oil-market news:

The battle for oil sales is set to become more intense as rising output from OPEC+ and the Middle East boosts the competitiveness of the region’s shipments, potentially forcing other suppliers to discount their barrels. China imported 49.66 million tons of crude oil last month, according to customs data released Tuesday. The chief financial officer of Petroleos Mexicanos’s trading arm has resigned, becoming the fourth director to leave the company as it struggles to reduce debt and reverse output declines.

--With assistance from Andrew Janes.

© 2021 Bloomberg L.P.