Oil price slips to $64 as rising OPEC+ supply, Iranian output weighs

By Alex Lawler

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil slipped to around $64 a barrel on Monday as rising supply from OPEC+ and higher Iranian output countered signs of a strong economic rebound in the United States and hopes for a wider demand recovery in 2021.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, known as OPEC+, agreed on Thursday to monthly production hikes from May to July. Iran is also boosting supply. [OPEC/O]

Brent crude for June fell 96 cents, or 1.5%, to $63.90 a barrel by 0905 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude for May dropped 62 cents, or 1%, to $60.83.

"The OPEC+ decision, perhaps nudged along by increasing Iranian production heading to China, probably means we have seen the best of the oil rally now for the next few months," said Jeffrey Halley of brokerage OANDA.

Oil has recovered from historic lows last year due to record OPEC+ cuts, most of which will still remain after July, and some oil demand recovery that is expected to gather pace in the second half of the year.

While a slow vaccine rollout and return to lockdown in parts of Europe have weighed on the rebound, figures on Friday showed the U.S. economy created the most jobs in seven months in March, with all industries adding jobs.

"The seemingly invincible accelerating U.S. recovery has offset OPEC+'s announcement on Thursday," Halley said.

In another development that could eventually lead to more supply, investors are focused on indirect talks between Iran and the United States as part of negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and global powers.

Eurasia analyst Henry Rome said he expected U.S. sanctions, including restrictions on Iranian oil sales, to be lifted only after these talks are completed and Iran returns to compliance.

Iran has already boosted exports to China despite the sanctions.

 

(Additional reporting by Florence Tan; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)