Oil Extends Rally After US Bans Russian Imports, Prompting Supply Fears

An oil pump is seen at sunset outside Vaudoy-en-Brie, near Paris, France April 23, 2018. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann
An oil pump is seen at sunset outside Vaudoy-en-Brie, near Paris, France April 23, 2018. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann
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Oil Extends Rally After US Bans Russian Imports, Prompting Supply Fears

An oil pump is seen at sunset outside Vaudoy-en-Brie, near Paris, France April 23, 2018. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann
An oil pump is seen at sunset outside Vaudoy-en-Brie, near Paris, France April 23, 2018. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann

Oil prices rose on Wednesday as the US ban on Russian oil imports and Britain's plan to phase them out by year end raised concerns of tighter global supply.

Brent crude futures were up $2.17, or 1.7%, at $130.15 a barrel at 0133 GMT, after jumping 3.9% the previous day.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were up $1.57, or 1.3%, at $125.27 a barrel, after also surging 3.6% on Tuesday.

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday imposed an immediate ban on Russian oil and other energy imports and Britain said it would phase out Russian oil imports through the end of 2022.

Oil prices have surged more than 30% since Russia, the world's second-largest crude exporter, invaded Ukraine.

Fears of further disruptions to oil supply amid escalating sanctions on Moscow has boosted buying, Reuters quoted analysts as saying.

"On top of the US and Britain's announcement effects, fears of further disruptions of supply from Russia due to intensifying sanctions on Moscow prompted fresh buying," said Hiroyuki Kikukawa, general manager of research at Nissan Securities.

"But Monday's highs will likely become a ceiling for the short term as speculative buying is expected to slow down soon and countries in the northern hemisphere are headed to spring when fuel demand drops," he said.

Oil prices jumped on Monday to their highest levels since July 2008, with Brent hitting $139.13 a barrel and WTI $130.50.

Behind the rally was also expectations that an imminent return of Iranian crude to global markets was unlikely, as talks on Iran's nuclear program have slowed between Tehran and world powers.

Analysts at Oslo-based consultancy Rystad Energy said on Tuesday that global oil prices could rise to $200 a barrel if Europe and the United States ban imports of Russian oil.

Still, oil prices running at their hottest level in 14 years are poised to cut post-COVID pandemic fuel demand as consumers react to surging pump and power prices by pulling back on spending and travel, top energy executives warned on Monday.

US crude stocks rose by 2.8 million barrels for the week ended March 4, against analysts' forecast of a drop, but gasoline and distillate stocks fell, according to market sources citing American Petroleum Institute figures on Tuesday.



Saudi Airports to Expand Global Reach at Routes World 2024 in Bahrain

Saudi airports will participate under the theme "Saudi Arabia the Global Hub" at Routes World 2024 in Bahrain. (SPA)
Saudi airports will participate under the theme "Saudi Arabia the Global Hub" at Routes World 2024 in Bahrain. (SPA)
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Saudi Airports to Expand Global Reach at Routes World 2024 in Bahrain

Saudi airports will participate under the theme "Saudi Arabia the Global Hub" at Routes World 2024 in Bahrain. (SPA)
Saudi airports will participate under the theme "Saudi Arabia the Global Hub" at Routes World 2024 in Bahrain. (SPA)

Saudi airports will participate under the theme "Saudi Arabia the Global Hub" at Routes World 2024, which will take place in Bahrain from October 6-8, 2024, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
The event, considered the aviation industry's premier global gathering, will bring together key players from airlines, airports, and industry stakeholders worldwide to shape the future of air services and promote global economic growth.
The Saudi participation includes some of the kingdom's most important aviation assets: MATARAT Holding, the King Salman International Airport, the Saudi Air Connectivity Program, the Red Sea International Airport, the Riyadh Airports Company, the Jeddah Airports Company, the Dammam Airports Company, and the Airports Cluster 2 Company.
Saudi Arabia's participation aims to transform its aviation sector into a global leader, positioning its airports to handle 330 million passengers and transport 4.5 million tons of cargo by 2030. This ambitious goal, aligned with the objectives of the National Aviation Strategy, is a testament to the industry's potential.
The effort also focuses on creating seamless travel experiences, enhancing customer satisfaction, ensuring safety and promoting environmental sustainability in the aviation industry.
The 29th edition of Routes World will feature panel discussions, workshops, and intensive meetings focused on advancing the regional and global air transport industry.
The sessions will also explore airlines' financial and operational performance, prospects for future growth, and critical issues such as privatization, mergers, sustainability initiatives, and environmental conservation.