This week crude oil prices have escalated. On Thursday oil prices climbed, with U.S. crude hitting a three-and-a-half year high, bolstered by supply concerns due to U.S. sanctions that could cause a large drop in crude exports from Iran.
On Thursday, closing crude values have increased. WTI on NYME closed at $73.45/bbl; prices have increased by $0.69/bbl in compared to last closing prices. While Brent on Inter Continental Exchange increased by $0.23/bbl in compare to last closing price and was assessed around $77.85/bbl.
On Friday, oil prices dipped amid escalating trade friction between the United States and other major economies, although crude markets remain tight due to supply disruptions and generally high demand.
As per market report, oil prices have rallied for much of 2018 on tightening market conditions due to record demand and voluntary supply cuts led by OPEC and other producers including Russia. Unplanned supply disruptions from Canada to Libya and Venezuela also have supported prices.
OPEC plus meetings was that those countries with spare capacity would increase production to keep the market well-supplied."an incremental 1 million bpd from this group is feasible in July" and that this would offset the expected drop in Iranian exports and other declines elsewhere during the second-half of the year.