Brent Extends Gain on Supply Disruption Concerns
Brent crude oil futures rose above $68 per barrel on Tuesday, building on gains from the previous session amid mounting concerns over supply disruptions. Traders are closely monitoring Russian crude flows following Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure, while European leaders call for secondary sanctions. Attention is also on India’s response to US pressure to halt Russian oil purchases. Prices found additional support from signs of economic resilience in China, a key oil consumer, where a private survey showed manufacturing activity expanded at its fastest pace in five months in August, easing some near-term demand concerns. Still, expectations of a supply surplus are limiting further gains, keeping a lid on the outlook. Investors are now looking ahead to an OPEC+ meeting later this week, where the producer group will decide whether to continue output increases beyond September.