MARKET WATCH: Oil futures drop on expected resumption in Libyan supply

April 8, 2014
Crude oil futures prices fell on New York and London markets Apr. 7 on expectations that two eastern Libyan ports that export oil would be reopened soon, increasing world oil supplies.

Crude oil futures prices fell on New York and London markets Apr. 7 on expectations that two eastern Libyan ports that export oil would be reopened soon, increasing world oil supplies.

On Apr. 6, Libyan government officials and rebels indicated they had reached an agreement to reopen two terminals that together normally export an estimated 200,000 b/d, mostly to Europe.

Meanwhile, analysts noted previously reported agreements have fallen apart. Many analysts advocated a cautious approach regarding the pace and volume of Libyan oil exports. Unrest and labor disputes have blocked some eastern Libya terminals and limited some production since last summer.

Recent resumption in some oil production has proved temporary given continued political unrest.

Libya’s Atty. Gen. Abdulqader Radwan told The Wall Street Journal that government representatives reached an agreement to reopen the ports of al-Hariga and Zueitina.

“The problem [of port closures] has been partially solved,” Radwan said. He noted that negotiations continue to reopen two larger ports, Es Sider and Ras Lanuf.

Meanwhile, a political group led by militia leader Ibrahim al-Jathrana reportedly hosted a news conference on Apr. 6, confirming an agreement regarding al-Hariga and Zueitina.

Energy prices

The New York Mercantile Exchange May crude oil contract dropped 70¢ on Apr. 7, closing at $101.44/bbl. The June contract gave up 68¢ to $99.78/bbl.

The May natural gas contract gained 3.7¢ to a rounded $4.48/MMbtu. The Henry Hub cash price for gas was unavailable on Apr. 7.

Heating oil for May delivery dropped 1.7¢ to a rounded $2.89/gal. Reformulated gasoline stock for oxygenate blending for May delivery decreased about half a cent to remain at a rounded $2.93/gal.

In London, the May ICE contract for Brent crude delivery dropped 90¢ to close at $105.82/bbl. The June contract was up 81¢ to $105.82/bbl. The ICE gas oil contract for April dipped $8 to $885.50/tonne.

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries reported its basket of 12 benchmark crudes was $102.16/bbl on Apr. 7, declining 96¢.

Contact Paula Dittrick at [email protected].

About the Author

Paula Dittrick | Senior Staff Writer

Paula Dittrick has covered oil and gas from Houston for more than 20 years. Starting in May 2007, she developed a health, safety, and environment beat for Oil & Gas Journal. Dittrick is familiar with the industry’s financial aspects. She also monitors issues associated with carbon sequestration and renewable energy.

Dittrick joined OGJ in February 2001. Previously, she worked for Dow Jones and United Press International. She began writing about oil and gas as UPI’s West Texas bureau chief during the 1980s. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska in 1974.