Drop in crude oil prices due to weak global demand

On September 23, 2024, crude oil prices experienced a notable decline, driven by growing concerns over weak global demand.

This drop was mainly caused by economic weakness in two of the largest oil-consuming regions: the Eurozone and China. Brent crude, a key international oil market indicator, fell to $73.00 per barrel before slightly recovering.

Similarly, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped to $69.50 per barrel, only to recover slightly later.

In Europe, the decline in business activity has directly impacted the reduction in oil demand. The economic slowdown in several Eurozone countries has created market uncertainty, with fears of a potential deep and prolonged recession. As a result, many companies have reduced their production and energy consumption, leading to a decrease in the demand for fossil fuels.

Meanwhile, in the United States, the situation is different. Although oil prices have fallen globally, rising domestic prices could signal a rebound in inflation. This phenomenon raises questions about the future of the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, as a potential increase in inflation could lead to new control measures that would affect both the local and global economies.

On the other hand, China, one of the world’s largest economies and oil consumers, continues to face deflationary problems. Oil demand in the Asian giant has been weaker than expected, contributing to the price drop. China’s economic growth has not fully recovered, adding further concern in energy markets, which heavily rely on the stability of its demand.

Despite tensions in crude oil supply, such as attacks in Israel and threats in the Gulf of Mexico, these events have not significantly driven prices up. Although historically, these events tend to generate uncertainty and push oil prices higher, this time, concerns over weak demand have been more decisive in shaping market behavior.

In conclusion, the drop in oil prices reflects a delicate balance between supply tensions and weakened global demand, mainly due to the situation in Europe and China. While geopolitical factors could have pushed prices higher, economic growth and oil demand uncertainty have weighed more heavily on the markets. The evolution of inflation in the U.S. and economic challenges in China will be key factors to monitor in the coming months.