Oil Market Struggles to Maintain Momentum as Supply Risks Clash with Demand Concerns
The global crude oil market remains in flux, with competing forces driving price volatility. While oil prices have managed to rally for four straight sessions, rising U.S. stockpiles, demand concerns, and geopolitical tensions are creating a fragile outlook.
Adding to the uncertainty, OPEC is reconsidering its production strategy, delaying planned hikes as market risks continue to grow. Meanwhile, technical indicators point toward potential weakness, with crude oil struggling to hold support at key price levels.
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Key Market Drivers – What’s Moving Oil Prices?
📌 Supply Risks Fuel Price Gains
- Declining U.S. fuel inventories and geopolitical disruptions have supported oil prices.
- Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian gas infrastructure and a Kazakh oil supply disruption intensified concerns.
- Uncertainty around Iraq’s Kurdistan oil flow is another factor keeping traders cautious.
📌 Rising U.S. Stockpiles Create Headwinds
- U.S. crude stockpiles increased by 4.6 million barrels, exceeding market expectations.
- Gasoline demand slipped to 8.2 million barrels per day, weighing on consumption outlooks.
- Refinery utilization dropped to 84.9%, signaling potential slowdowns in production activity.
📌 OPEC Delays Production Hikes Amid Economic Uncertainty
- OPEC is reportedly rethinking its April production increase due to global economic pressures and supply concerns.
- China’s oil demand is forecasted to rise, but downside risks persist as economic slowdowns affect consumption.
- U.S. domestic production remains steady, but analysts expect a limited impact on global supply balances.
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Crude Oil Technical Analysis – Is a Downtrend Forming?
📊 Bearish Signals Emerge as Oil Struggles to Hold Key Levels
✅ Crude oil is trading below its 50-period EMA, signaling potential downside risks.
✅ Momentum indicators remain weak, with selling pressure outweighing buyer interest.
✅ RSI slipping below 50 suggests further bearish momentum in the market.
📉 Key Support Levels to Watch:
- $70.05 – Initial support.
- $66.98 – Next critical level.
- $62.39 – Bearish target if selling pressure increases.
📈 Resistance Levels in Focus:
- $74.42 – Short-term resistance.
- $75.76 – Mid-range price ceiling.
- $78.48 – Breakout zone for a potential uptrend.
🔗 Live Oil Price Chart on TradingView
Conclusion – Where is Oil Headed Next?
Crude oil remains highly reactive to supply-side disruptions and macroeconomic trends, with rising stockpiles and weaker demand threatening recent gains. While OPEC’s production delays and geopolitical instability could keep oil supported, technical indicators point to potential downside risks.
💡 Market Outlook:
✅ If oil remains below $74.42, downside risks could push it toward $70.05 and lower.
✅ A break above $75.76 could see renewed bullish momentum.
✅ Investors should closely monitor supply data, OPEC updates, and global economic signals.
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