​EBC Markets Briefing | Crude prices down on US crude build

Oil prices eased on Thursday as unexpected builds in US crude inventories raised demand concerns, while renewed Iran nuclear talk also captured attention. Benchmark contact has been down over 13% this year.

US crude and fuel inventories posted surprise stock builds in the week ended 16 May, the EIA said, as crude imports hit a six-week high and gasoline and distillate demand slipped.

Washington and Tehran have held several rounds of talks this year over nuclear programme. Trump has revived a campaign of stronger sanctions on Iranian crude exports for a quicker deal.

France, Britain and Germany have warned they would reimpose UN sanctions if no deal emerged quickly. Iran may turn to China and Russia as a "Plan B" if negotiation is still at a standstill, sources said.

CNN reported on Tuesday that US intelligence suggests Israel is preparing to strike Iranian nuclear facilities, adding that it was not clear whether Israeli leaders have made a final decision.

World oil supply will rise more rapidly than previously expected this year as OPEC+'s gradual output increase is expected to outweigh slowing growth in the US shale industry, the IEA said last week.

Brent crude is trading below 50 SMA, but bullish MACD divergence indicates more gains ahead. The major resistance likely lies around $66.

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