By Arathy Somasekhar and Trixie Yap
April 18 (Reuters) – Oil prices firmed slightly early on Tuesday, after falling 2% in the previous session, as stronger economic data from the world’s largest crude importer China underpinned demand outlook.
Brent crude LCOc1 climbed 23 cents to $84.99 a barrel at 0416 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate CLc1 rose 21 cents at $81.04 a barrel.
China’s economy grew at a faster-than-expected clip in the first quarter, official data showed, expanding 4.5% year-on-year as policymakers move to bolster growth following the end of strict COVID-19 curbs in December.
“The remarkable recovery of the Chinese economy has supported the recent rebound in oil prices,” CMC Markets analyst Leon Li said.
Furthermore, May is the seasonal peak travel period in China and demand for fuel is expected to post a very large year-on-year increase, he added.
Chinese refinery throughput surged to record levels in March, signalling robust demand for the fuel, as refiners stepped up runs to capture strong export demand and build up inventories ahead of planned maintenance.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has forecast that China will account for most of 2023 crude oil demand growth.
However, it has warned that output cuts announced by OPEC+ producers risk exacerbating a supply deficit expected in the second half of the year and could hurt consumers and global economic recovery.
Oil prices also remain under pressure due to a stronger dollar and rise in treasury yields, National Australia bank analysts said in a client note.
The U.S. dollar has been strengthening alongside interest rate hikes, and traders are betting the U.S. Federal Reserve will raise its lending rate in May, which could dampen economic recovery hopes. MKTS/GLOB
A stronger dollar makes commodities priced in the greenback more expensive for buyers holding other currencies.
U.S. crude oil and natural gas production in the seven biggest shale basins is expected to rise in May to the highest on record, data from the Energy Information Administration showed on Monday, signalling some supply increment on this front.
Industry data on U.S. crude stockpiles is due on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a preliminary Reuters poll showing on Monday that U.S. crude oil inventories likely fell by about 2.5 million barrels last week.
“The oil market will soon have to deal with recession fears but for now it should be a choppy trade,” OANDA senior market analyst Edward Moya said in a client note.
(Reporting by Arathy Somasekhar and Trixie Yap; Editing by Sonali Paul and Himani Sarkar)
((arathy.s@thomsonreuters.com; +1 832 208 3362; Twitter: @ArathySom))
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