Tag: Oil Prices

The Malaysian Palm Oil Board reported a 6.56% decrease in palm oil stockpiles to 2.11 million tonnes in February 2023. Crude palm oil stocks fell 7.69% to 1.16 million tonnes, while production declined 9.35% to 1.25 million tonnes. Oleo-chemical exports increased 8.13% to 228,088 tonnes.

Dated Brent crude oil prices expected to remain stable around $80/barrel in first half of 2023, with potential recovery to $85-$90 in second half. China and India's increasing demand and altered oil flows due to Ukraine war will impact global oil markets.

European Union and G7 nations impose sanctions on Russian diesel and refined oil products, aiming to limit Russia's military funding while maintaining global energy supply and protecting consumers from price volatility.

Boustead Plantations Bhd expects continued palm oil price volatility amid rising production costs, including higher minimum wages and increased fertilizer and diesel prices. The company remains optimistic about cost management and crop enhancement strategies to improve profitability in the coming year.

OPEC+ and allied oil producers, including Russia, have slightly reduced their oil output for October, a modest 100,000 barrel per day decrease. This symbolic cut comes amid growing recession fears and falling crude prices, which have already dropped from June's $120 per barrel peak.

President Joe Biden traveled to Iowa to announce a strategy for reducing gas prices by temporarily suspending ethanol blending restrictions. The move aims to cut fuel costs by approximately 10 cents per gallon at select stations, addressing high inflation challenges facing American consumers.

British inflation surged to 6.2% in February, the highest since 1992, driven by soaring energy bills and petrol prices. The Office for National Statistics reports widespread food price increases, intensifying financial pressure on households and creating challenges for the government's economic strategy.

High energy costs are sparking widespread protests across Europe, with Spain deploying over 23,000 police to control demonstrations. Truckers and farmers in France, Greece, and Spain are blocking highways and challenging authorities, driven by skyrocketing fuel prices and economic pressures from Russia's war in Ukraine.

Asian stocks declined on Tuesday, with MSCI's Asia-Pacific index falling 1.97%, driven by concerns over the Ukraine war, potential U.S. interest rate hikes, and China's rising COVID-19 cases. Chinese stocks showed pronounced weakness, reflecting broader market uncertainty and economic challenges.