Oil prices steady as geopolitical risks balance recession fears

The oil market experienced some degree of stability on Wednesday, following a surge in prices the previous day in response to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Several major shipping companies resumed their routes through the Red Sea, despite the risk of further attacks. 

Brent crude futures were down 17 cents, or 0.21 per cent, at $80.90 per barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures had eased by 34 cents, or 0.45 per cent, to $75.23 per barrel. The previous day, Brent crude had reached a high of $82.20, its highest level since October 2022.

The decline in prices on Wednesday was attributed to investors taking profits after the previous day’s rally. However, prices remained relatively high, with both Brent and WTI still trading well above their lows from the previous week.

In the previous session, oil benchmarks rose more than 2 per cent as new attacks on ships in the Red Sea heightened concerns about the potential disruption of shipping. In addition, hopes of interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve, which could boost economic growth and fuel demand, provided further support for oil prices.

Despite ongoing attacks by the Houthi militia, several major shipping companies, including Maersk and CMA CGM, were resuming passage through the Red Sea after a multinational task force was deployed to the region. The task force, led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, is aimed at protecting ships from attack and ensuring safe passage through the area.

The resumption of shipping is a positive sign for the oil market, as it indicates that the situation in the Red Sea may be stabilising. However, the threat of further attacks remains, and any disruptions could have a significant impact on oil prices and the global economy.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, and the potential for a prolonged Israeli military campaign in Gaza, continue to have a significant impact on oil market sentiment. The conflict has the potential to further destabilize the region, which could disrupt oil shipments and lead to volatility in oil prices. 

In a separate development, oil loadings at Novorossiisk, a major Russian Black Sea port, were temporarily suspended on Wednesday due to a storm, according to Reuters sources. However, crude exports from the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal near the port had already resumed, according to the Kazakhstan Energy ministry.