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Oil prices remained stable in Asian trading on Friday, holding onto gains from the previous session amid optimism over new U.S. trade agreements and expectations of Russian gasoline export cuts. Brent crude futures for September rose 0.2% to $69.29 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude edged up 0.2% to $66.13 per barrel as of 21:31 ET (01:31 GMT). Both benchmarks jumped over 1% on Thursday following data showing a sharp drop in U.S. crude inventories.
Market sentiment was lifted by reports of progress in trade talks between the U.S. and European Union, with a potential agreement replacing a previously threatened 30% tariff with a reduced 15% levy. India also signaled optimism about avoiding proposed U.S. tariffs, while Washington and Tokyo finalized a deal cutting import tariffs on Japanese goods to 15% from 25%. Analysts at ING noted that easing trade tensions could boost global demand, supporting oil consumption through increased transportation and industrial activity.
Additional support came from expectations that Russia will tighten restrictions on gasoline exports to curb rising domestic prices, potentially disrupting supply. This follows Thursday’s report of U.S. plans to allow limited oil operations in Venezuela, starting with Chevron, which could add over 200,000 barrels per day to U.S. refiners seeking heavier crude.
Traders are closely monitoring these developments as they weigh the impact of trade deals, Russian export measures, and potential Venezuelan supply on the broader supply-demand outlook for crude oil. The combination of easing trade tensions and potential supply disruptions could provide continued support for prices in the near term.
