On Tuesday, Germany said a full embargo on Russian oil would be manageable, potentially laying the groundwork for a continent-wide ban that may upend global crude trade. The U.S. and U.K. have already pledged to ban imports from the OPEC+ producer.
The renewed geopolitical risk to energy markets comes just as the tightest corner of the oil sector flared up again. U.S. diesel futures settled at a fresh record Tuesday, while profits from making the fuel in Europe are the highest since at least 2011. Russia is Europe’s largest external supplier of the middle distillate.
“Russia’s latest actions provide an alarming glimpse of things to come for other EU members and has put energy security concerns front and center of the political agenda,” said PVM Oil Associates analyst Stephen Brennock.
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In Asia, there are some positive signs emerging from virus-hit China. Shanghai hinted at an easing of lockdown measures as infections dropped to the lowest in three weeks, while case numbers in Beijing stabilized. President Xi Jinping also made a commitment to boost infrastructure construction to bolster the economy.
Separately, the American Petroleum Institute reported U.S. crude stockpiles rose by 4.78 million barrels last week, according to people familiar with the figures. Official government data is scheduled later Wednesday.
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COMMENTARY: Canadians Should Decide What to do With Their Money – Not Politicians and Bureaucrats