OPEC hikes global oil demand forecast for 2020

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) revised upwards its world oil demand estimates by 1.22 million barrels per day (mbpd) to 100.98 mbpd in 2020 on the back of improved economic outlook.

Oil demand growth in the OECD region is forecast to increase by 0.09 mbpd supported by OECD America, while non-OECD is expected to lead demand growth by adding 1.13 mbpd mainly in Asia, especially India and China, the OPEC said in its latest monthly oil market report on Wednesday.

Total OPEC-14 preliminary crude oil production averaged 29.44 mbpd in December, a reduction of 161,000 bpd over the previous month, due to decline in production capacity in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iraq.

Saudi Arabia’s crude oil production fell by 111,000 barrels per day (bpd) to average 9.76 million barrels per day (mbpd) in December 2019, citing secondary sources.

Meanwhile, OPEC said that continued accommodative monetary policies, coupled with an improvement in financial markets, are likely to provide further support to ongoing increases in non-OPEC supply.

“Collaboration between OPEC and non-OPEC producing countries participating in the ‘Declaration of Cooperation’ remains essential in maintaining stability in the oil market,” it added.

In December, Brent averaged 3.9% higher month-on-month (MoM) at $65.17 a barrel, while WTI climbed 4.8% MoM to average $59.80 per barrel.

Earlier on Tuesday, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said the Kingdom is committed to ensure oil market stability amid regional tensions, as it plays a pivotal role in the global energy market.

Write to Parag Deulgaonkar at parag.d@argaamplus.com