Oil prices rise on US demand surge, weaker dollar, Mideast ceasefire

ANKARA: Oil prices increased today with a demand surge in the US, the world’s biggest crude consumer, and weakened US dollar index, while a ceasefire deal in the Middle East dampened supply woes among market players.

The international oil benchmark of Brent crude rose 0.43% to US$72.49 per barrel at 9.58am local time, up from the previous session’s close of US$72.18, reported Anadolu Agency (AA).

The US benchmark West Texas Intermediate also increased by 0.43% to US$68.83 per barrel, compared to US$68.53 at the prior session’s close.

Data from the American Petroleum Institute (API) showed a larger-than-expected drop in US crude oil stocks which supported the upward movement in prices.

API reported a decrease of 5.93 million barrels in US commercial crude inventories last week, contrary to market expectations of a 250,000 barrel increase, fostering optimism regarding rising demand in the US.

The US Energy Information Administration is set to release its official inventory report during the day.

Also, the weakening of the US dollar against other currencies aided the rise in oil prices.

The US dollar index, which measures the US dollar’s value against other currencies, fell 0.15% to 106.809.

The weak dollar is expected to enhance demand by making oil cheaper for those who use foreign currencies.

Meanwhile, the ceasefire agreement reached between Lebanon and Israel came into force at 4am local time.

Under the ceasefire deal, the Lebanese Armed Forces will be deployed to the southern border of Lebanon within 60 days and will ensure control of this region.

US President Joe Biden stated that an international coalition led by the US and France will support the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.

Experts are hopeful that the ceasefire deal could pressure Israel to stop its aggression on Gaza.