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Oil prices edged lower in Asian trading Thursday, easing after a recent rebound as concerns over a potential U.S. recession and increasing production weighed on sentiment. Brent crude futures slipped 0.2% to $70.83 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell to $67.24.
Despite a brief recovery from three-year lows, oil remains under pressure in 2025 due to softening demand and rising global supply. A weaker U.S. dollar and a sharper-than-expected decline in U.S. gasoline inventories provided temporary support, but worries over slowing economic growth and a U.S.-led trade war persist.
OPEC+ reported a production increase of 363,000 barrels per day in February, reaching 41.01 million bpd as the group continues to roll back production cuts. Kazakhstan led the rise, and additional output is expected in April, raising concerns of oversupply in a weakening market. However, OPEC+ maintained its 2025 demand growth forecast at 1.45 million bpd, expressing confidence in global economic resilience despite mounting trade tensions.
Investor sentiment remains fragile after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on steel and aluminum, warning of further trade restrictions. His aggressive stance on China, the world’s top oil importer, has fueled fears that escalating trade tensions could dampen demand.
A softer-than-expected U.S. consumer price index report temporarily lifted oil prices by weakening the dollar, but concerns over a potential recession linger. Market watchers now await the U.S. producer price index report for further economic signals.
With global supply rising and demand outlook uncertain, oil markets remain volatile, driven by economic headwinds and geopolitical risks.
