Oil Prices Hit Highest Since October on Weather and China Stimulus

Oil prices reached their highest levels since October on January 6, driven by colder weather in the Northern Hemisphere and economic stimulus measures in China, which could boost global fuel demand. Brent crude futures rose 15 cents, or 0.2%, to $76.66 a barrel by 0125 GMT, following Friday's close at its highest since October 14. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 22 cents, or 0.3%, to $74.18 a barrel, marking its highest close since October 11. China announced a significant increase in fiscal stimulus, including funding from ultra-long-dated treasury bonds to support business investments and consumer spending. Additionally, the country's central bank indicated plans to reduce the reserve requirement ratio and cut interest rates at an appropriate time to bolster economic recovery. China, the world’s largest oil importer and second-largest consumer, faced a decline in crude imports and fuel demand last year due to slowing economic growth and a shift to cleaner transportation fuels. On the supply side, Goldman Sachs predicts a decline in Iran's oil production and exports by the second quarter of 2025 due to expected policy changes and stricter sanctions under the incoming U.S. administration. Iran's output could fall by 300,000 barrels per day to 3.25 million bpd, according to the forecast. Meanwhile, the U.S. oil rig count, a key indicator of future production, decreased by one to 482 last week, as per a report from energy services firm Baker Hughes. (ET)