West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude remains stable at approximately $68.00 per barrel, as supply disruptions due to Tropical Storm Francine impact oil production. The closure of operations at Brownsville and other Texas ports has significantly contributed to these disruptions. The National Hurricane Center reports that 125,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil production are potentially at risk.
Impact of Weather Conditions
The U.S. Coast Guard halted all port activities in Brownsville and smaller ports in Texas due to the approaching storm. Meanwhile, the Port of Corpus Christi continues to operate with limitations. Tropical Storm Francine is projected to escalate into a hurricane by mid-week, with expectations of it hitting the Louisiana coast with winds up to 85 mph.
Global oil markets remain cautious, with price estimates ranging between $60 and $70 per barrel. This forecast is influenced by a demand slowdown in China, driven by an economic downturn and a shift towards greener energy sources. Insights from the APPEC conference highlight these trends, affecting the world’s largest crude importer's oil demand.
