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Macro Voices

MacroVoices #439 Rory Johnston: Discretionary Risks To The Oil Market

Aug 1, 2024
Rory Johnston, an oil market expert from Commodity Context, dives deep into the intricate world of crude oil. He discusses the geopolitical implications of OPEC's strategies and highlights U.S. shale production's resilience. The conversation touches on shifting demand trends, particularly from China, and examines the challenges facing the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Additionally, Johnston shares insights on how market volatility is influenced by global conflicts and recent trends in complementary markets like uranium and precious metals.
01:13:39

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Quick takeaways

  • OPEC's strategic production cuts are aimed at supporting higher oil prices and preventing a supply-induced price collapse below $50 per barrel.
  • Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East threaten global oil supply stability, potentially leading to significant price spikes if conflicts escalate.

Deep dives

OPEC's Power and Production Cuts

OPEC has a significant influence over global oil prices through its production decisions, currently withholding around 4 million barrels per day, reflecting some of the deepest cuts since the 2008 financial crisis. Contrary to claims suggesting OPEC is trying to suppress prices for political gain, the organization is actively working to support higher oil prices in response to market conditions. By extending production cuts, OPEC aims to maintain stability and prevent a collapse in prices, as releasing excess supply could lead to prices dropping below $50 per barrel. Analysts believe that OPEC's careful management of output is essential to balance the market, especially given the strong demand growth witnessed last year.

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