Oil prices ease as markets refocus on demand worries

Oil prices edged lower on Tuesday, breaking a five-day streak of gains, as markets refocused on concerns about demand after OPEC on Monday cut its forecast for demand growth in 2024 due to softer expectations in China.

Global benchmark Brent crude futures dipped 41 cents, or 0.5 per cent, lower to $81.89 a barrel at 0005 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell to $79.63 a barrel, down 43 cents, or 0.5 per cent.

Brent had gained more than 3 per cent on Monday, while U.S. crude futures had risen more than 4 per cent.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries' (OPEC) global demand forecast reduction for 2024 highlighted the dilemma faced by the wider OPEC group in raising production from October.

The cut to OPEC's 2024 forecast was the first since it was made in July 2023, and comes after mounting signs that demand in China has lagged expectations due to slumping diesel consumption and as a crisis in the property sector hampers the world's second-largest economy.

In the meantime, the Middle East conflict has escalated, with the U.S. preparing for what could be significant attacks by Iran or its proxies in the region as soon as this week, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said on Monday.

Any attack could tighten access to global crude supplies and boost prices. An assault could also lead the United States to place embargoes on Iranian crude exports, potentially affecting 1.5 million barrels per day of supply, analysts said.

Markets are also preparing for Wednesday's U.S. consumer price index report that will give a crucial read on inflation, with investors now worried that an overly depressed CPI number will fan fears of a downturn.

Money markets have even bets on a 25- or 50-basis-point cut in U.S. interest rates in September, expecting a total easing of 100 bps by the end of 2024, CME's FedWatch Tool showed.

Rate cuts tend to raise economic activity, which increases the use of energy sources such as oil.

The U.S. dollar edged marginally higher on Tuesday, after two days of losses. A stronger greenback helps demand as oil becomes more expensive for foreign buyers.

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