Oil Jumps On Egypt Unrest

Oil prices jumped on the tense situation in the Middle East where at least 535 people were killed in a security crackdown in Egypt. Brent and NYMEX, New York crude, climbed to a four-month high on Thursday with Brent reaching USD 111 a barrel. The escalating violence in Egypt might affect the Suez Canal and spread all over a middle East already torn by a two year civil war in Syria, disturbing death tolls and unrest in Oil producing Iraq and Libya.

 Egypt has declared a state of emergency. Supporters of the deposed President Mursi have, nevertheless, announced new major demonstrations. Oil storages in the US are shrinking faster than expected. Egypt is a minor crude producer, but home of the strategically important Suez Canal and the Sumed pipeline. The deadly violence threatens to choke Oil supply routes and have serious consequences for steady Oil supplies from the Middle East.

 The Libyan Deputy Oil Minister stated on Thursday that Libya’s Oil production has been reduced by 600 000 barrels a day. Iraq expects to slash supplies with 600 000 barrels a day in September. US crude inventories fell 2.8 million barrels with stocks at the lowest level seen since 2012. As long as the situation in the Middle Eastern area is kept under some control, Brent doesn’t seem to have a potential to climb higher than to USD 113 – 114. Europe’s top Oil company, Royal Dutch Shell, has temporarily closed its offices in Egypt.

 The USD has come under new pressure on continued uncertainty over when the Federal Reserve (FED) might start to taper its bond buying program. Retailer Macy’s department store, delivered disappointing results on Wednesday, leading to new question marks regarding the healthiness and growth of the US economy. EUR/USD is at 1.3299 and USD/JPY trades at 98.15. Precious metals, Gold and Silver, have regained some of their safe-haven status and have steadied on levels not seen in months.

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