Dec 24, 2024 2:18 a.m.

Crude surged on demand optimism and supply concerns

Factors contributing to the uptick included projections of robust US gasoline demand, with Memorial Day travel expected to hit levels unseen since 2005.

Title

Available in

Oil prices spiked on Monday, buoyed by indications of increased demand in the world's top two oil consumers, the US and China.

Factors contributing to the uptick included projections of robust US gasoline demand, with Memorial Day travel expected to hit levels unseen since 2005. 

Meanwhile, concerns loomed over potential oil supply disruptions in Western Canada due to wildfires, prompting government warnings of possible catastrophic consequences. 

Additionally, ongoing expectations of OPEC+ extending supply cuts into the second half of the year provided further support to oil prices.

Brent futures increased by 57 cents or 0.7% to settle at $83.36/barrel.

WTI futures rose by 86 cents or 1.1% to settle at $79.12/barrel.