Crude Oil

The increase in OPEC+ production has catalyzed a surge in oil prices, coinciding with heightened geopolitical tensions. Oil prices experienced an impressive rise. This development followed the decision by OPEC plus countries to boost oil production levels. The rise was below projections. Geopolitical tensions surrounding Ukraine and Iran also played a role. OPEC+ has reached a consensus to implement a daily supply increase for the month of July. However, certain members, such as Russia, expressed reservations. Banks exhibit a divergence of opinions regarding prospective production increases. Brent crude prices experienced an uptick.

Oil prices experienced a significant increase following OPEC+’s decision to raise production levels, which were less than the more pessimistic forecasts suggested. This uptick occurred amidst heightened geopolitical tensions related to Ukraine and Iran. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies reached a consensus on Saturday to increase supply by 411,000 barrels per day in July, although dissent was expressed by certain members, including Russia. With several nations advocating for a pause in July, financial institutions are currently divided on the number of additional rate hikes anticipated in the following months.

Brent crude experienced an increase of up to 4.4%, surpassing the $65 mark, likely supported by the unwinding of bearish positions established prior to the decision. The group had been contemplating the possibility of returning an even larger volume late last week, with speculative short positions in Brent reaching their highest levels since October ahead of the meeting. “The worst of the fears was laid to rest,” stated Keshav Lohiya, founder of the consultancy Oilytics. Brent shorts have reached their peak for 2025, a development that aligns with the prevailing bearish narratives emerging from OPEC. However, this is establishing conditions that could lead to a spike if the underlying healthy market fundamentals persist.