Oil nears $53 on tighter U.S market

Oil prices hit a two-month high on Monday lifted by a tightening US crude market and the threat of sanctions against OPEC-member Venezuela.

Brent crude futures were 52.90 dollars per barrel earlier in the day, their highest since May 25. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures were up 16 cents or 0.3per cent at 49.87 dollars per barrel.

The entire WTI curve is close to moving back over 50 dollars per barrel, with only September and October a notch below that level.

The price rise put both crude benchmarks on track for a sixth consecutive session of gains.

Prices have risen around 10 per cent since the last meeting of leading members by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other major producers, including Russia.

At that instance, the group discussed potential measures to further tighten oil markets.

“U.S inventories are showing massive drawdown, Saudi Arabia seems intent on playing its role as the world’s swing producer.

“Impending sanctions on Venezuela by the U.S will almost certainly be oil pricesupportive,” said Jeffrey Halley, analyst at futures brokerage, OANDA.

(Reuters/NAN)