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Oman oil rises for fifth day on supply concerns after Venezuela tariffs

MUSCAT: The official price of Oman oil for May delivery reached $74.44 on Tuesday, March 25. The price of Oman oil increased by 93 cents compared to Monday's price of $73.51.

The monthly average price of Omani crude oil for March delivery reached $80.26 per barrel, an increase of $7.10 compared to February delivery.

Meanwhile, international oil prices rose on Tuesday for a fifth day on expectations that global supply may tighten after the US announced tariffs on countries that buy Venezuelan crude, although Opec+ plans to go ahead with an output hike in May limited gains.

Brent crude futures were up 46 cents, or 0.6%, at $72.74 a barrel by 1023 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude climbed 41 cents, also 0.6%, to $69.49.

Both benchmarks rose more than 1% on Monday after US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on countries importing oil and gas from Venezuela. Oil is Venezuela's main export and China, which is already the subject of US tariffs, is its largest buyer.

"Oil firmed up on the latest tariff moves by the US, although gains were capped by reports of Opec+ moving to increase output further in May," Panmure Liberum analysts said in a note.

The Trump administration also on Monday extended a deadline to May 27 for US producer Chevron to wind down operations in Venezuela.

The withdrawal of Chevron's licence to operate could reduce production in the country by about 200,000 barrels per day, according to ANZ analysts.

Meanwhile, Opec+, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia, will likely stick to its plan to raise oil output for a second consecutive month in May, sources said, amid steady oil prices and plans to force some members to reduce pumping to compensate for past overproduction.

Last week, the US issued new sanctions intended to hit Iranian oil exports.

Trump also said automobile tariffs are coming soon even as he indicated that not all of his threatened levies would be imposed on April 2 and some countries may get breaks, a move Wall Street took as a sign of flexibility on a matter that has roiled markets for weeks. — Agencies