周三公布的数据显示，上周美国商业库存减少450万桶，降至2022年4月以来的最低水平。汽油和馏分油(包括柴油)的库存也有所下降。与此同时，美国和法国将提议以色列和黎巴嫩真主党之间停火三周，这是为谈判扫清道路、避免该地区爆发全面战争的努力的一部分。There are signs that Libya may soon resume production, leading to a significant drop in oil prices.
It is learned from Zhitong Finance and Economics that due to a "compromise" reached by various factions in Libya on the leadership of the central bank of OPEC member countries, a path has been opened to restore some crude oil production. The market's concern about the disruption of Libyan supply has eased. The United States and France are seeking to finalize a temporary ceasefire plan between Israel and Hezbollah. In addition, concerns about demand in the market remain. Brent crude oil fell 2.3% to above $73 per barrel on Wednesday, while WTI crude oil fell below $70 per barrel. The United Nations stated that representatives of the opposing eastern and western governments in Libya have "initialled an agreement" regarding the bank's board of directors, with a signing ceremony scheduled for Thursday.
The strength of the US dollar also depresses commodities priced in dollars, such as oil. The Bloomberg US dollar index recorded its largest increase in three months on Wednesday as overall market risk appetite weakened. With the prospect of increased supply from OPEC+ and dim demand outlook, along with the potential recovery of Libyan oil production, crude oil is set to end its worst quarter of the year.
Data released on Wednesday showed that US commercial inventories decreased by 4.5 million barrels last week, falling to the lowest level since April 2022. Gasoline and distillate (including diesel) inventories also declined. Meanwhile, the United States and France will propose a three-week ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, part of efforts to pave the way for negotiations and avoid a full-scale war in the region.
Energy strategist Clay Seigle stated: "The resolution of the Libyan central bank crisis will drive a significant recovery in oil supply, while the production interruptions in the US Gulf of Mexico region are considered to be very temporary."
The hurricane threatening the US Gulf Coast has changed direction, heading towards Florida and away from the oil and gas producing areas near Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.