Oil prices rose ahead of U.S. inflation data

Oil prices advanced of the release of key U.S. inflation statistics, which could point to expected changes in interest rates. Oil was down to its lowest level since November in the month.

Brent futures, which have advanced nearly 6.3% this week, were up 33 cents, or 0.4%, at a high of $79.62. West Texas Intermediate U.S. crude oil advanced 44 cents, or 0.62%, to $74.82, up about 8% weekly.

Significantly, the agreements provide for 5% and 3% reductions each month after the values had dropped to their lowest levels since 2021 due to the most significant bank shortcomings since the 2008 financial crisis. Oil prices broadly recouped those losses as concerns over a global banking crisis slowly receded after U.S. and European banks emerged from severe crises.

Markets are awaiting U.S. personal consumption expenditure inflation numbers, which the Federal Reserve constantly tracks.

Economists surveyed anticipate that the core PCE index will decline to 0.44% in February, down from January, and remain stable at 4.7% per year.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to boost U.S. oil and gas production while undercutting climate initiatives.

Oil prices advanced after producers shut down or reduced production at several oilfields in the northern Iraqi region following the disruption of the northern export pipeline.

Providing a bullish signal were figures that indicated U.S. crude oil inventories had decreased to a two-year minimum.

Prices also found support as China’s manufacturing activity rose sharply in March.

After the improvement in oil prices, OPEC and allies led by Russia will stick to the existing agreement to reduce oil production to a certain level.