For most of 2023, oil prices skyrocketed to nearly $100 a barrel. The War in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict massively contributed to that increase in oil prices. However, oil prices started to decline over the last two months.
Oil prices are affected by several factors such as market forces, global economic conditions, and investors’ sentiment. Supply and demand play a crucial role in determining oil prices.Â
Disruptions in supply, such as geopolitical conflicts, infrastructure damage, or production limitations, can lead to a decrease in available oil, causing prices to rise. Conversely, increases in supply, for example, through technological advancements or new discoveries, can lead to price drops. Moreover, investing in the oil market through futures contracts is highly speculative since it is all based on price movements. Thus, speculative activity and investor confidence in the oil market can also influence prices. Positive sentiment regarding future demand can lead to price increases, while negative sentiment can trigger price drops.
Oil prices have exhibited volatility in recent weeks, dropping after briefly spiking earlier in December. This movement may reflect factors like rising inventories of gasoline and distillate, alongside concerns about economic slowdown. And Ongoing geopolitical tensions can still lead to supply disruptions and price volatility. However, factors like the EU's ban on Russian oil appear somewhat priced in at this point.
Geopolitical instability in the Middle Eastern region, precisely, creates uncertainty and raises the "risk premium" that traders demand for holding oil barrels. This means they require higher prices to compensate for the increased risk of supply disruptions due to potential conflicts or attacks on infrastructure. As tensions heighten, this premium can significantly push up oil prices.
Libya holds roughly 4.6% of the world's proven oil reserves. Recent events like the shutdown of the El Sharara oilfield, a major contributor to the country's output, have already shown their impact on global supply. Ongoing political instability and potential disruptions in other Libyan oilfields could further tighten supply and contribute to price increases.
It is important to stress that the severity of the price increase depends on the nature and extent of the disruption, along with the overall market conditions. A minor disruption in a period of weak demand might have a negligible impact, while a major disruption during peak demand could cause significant price spikes.
Understanding how supply disruptions impact oil prices is crucial for various stakeholders, from investors and businesses to policymakers and consumers. By anticipating potential disruptions and their economic consequences, we can better prepare and mitigate their impact on global energy markets.