Crude oil price slide on sharp uptick in coronavirus cases globally

By Bozorgmehr Sharafedin

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices slid on Monday as sharp spikes in new coronavirus infections around the world forced some countries to resume partial lockdowns, raising concerns about the pace of economic recovery and fuel demand.

Brent crude dropped 84 cents, or 2%, to $40.18 a barrel by 0833 GMT, and U.S. crude fell 72 cents, or 1.8%, to $37.77.

"Both contracts are coming under stronger pressure this morning as the spectre of lockdowns returns," said JBC Energy.

The death toll from COVID-19 surpassed half a million people on Sunday, according to a Reuters tally.

Health experts have expressed concerns about record numbers of new cases in countries like the United States, India and Brazil, as well as new outbreaks in parts of Asia.

"Looking ahead, anxiety is likely to remain heightened as the epic fight against the coronavirus pandemic continues. This spells bad news for risk assets (such as oil) which will inevitably remain under pressure," said Stephen Brennock of broker PVM.

Oil prices were also under pressure from poor refining margins, high inventories and the resumption of U.S. production, analysts said.

Still, Brent is set to end June with a third consecutive monthly gain after major global producers extended an unprecedented 9.7 million barrels per day supply cut agreement into July, while oil demand improved after countries across the globe eased lockdown measures.

Meanwhile, U.S. shale oil pioneer Chesapeake Energy Corp filed for bankruptcy protection on Sunday as it bowed to heavy debts and the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on energy markets.

Investors will be keeping a close eye on economic data this week that will indicate the shape of economic recovery.

Later on Monday, inflation data from the euro zone's biggest economy, Germany, will be released. In the United States, ISM manufacturing index is expected on Wednesday and payrolls on Thursday. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is testifying on Tuesday.

 

(Reporting by Bozorgmehr Sharafedin in London, additional reporting by Florence Tan in Singapore; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)