OPEC expects lower demand for its crude oil in 2020 even as global demand rises, it said Jan. 15, as rival producers grab market share and the U.S. looks set for another output record.
The U.S., which has seen its production soar in recent years powered by shale, will see total liquids output exceed a 20 million barrel per day (bbl/d) milestone for the first time, OPEC forecast in its market report.
U.S. liquids output will reach 20.21 million bbl/d in the fourth quarter of 2020—almost meeting U.S. demand of 21.34 million bbl/d, OPEC said.
It lowered its 2020 demand forecast for OPEC crude by 0.1 million bbl/d to 29.5 million.
That would be around 1.2 million bbl/d lower than in the whole of 2019 and in line with December production, when OPEC's share of global output fell 0.1 percentage point month on month to 29.4%.
RELATED:
IPTC: All Eyes On US Shale, Says Bahrain’s Oil Minister
This year, it said OPEC's market share is set to fall further as output booms in non-OPEC rivals including the U.S., Brazil, Canada, Australia, Norway and Guyana while global demand is rising.
OPEC said it had raised its overall 2020 oil demand growth outlook by 0.14 million bbl/d to 1.22 million bbl/d from the previous month, reflecting an improved economic outlook and booming demand in India and China. If that growth materializes it would be 30% stronger than in 2019.
It raised its forecast for non-OPEC oil supply growth in 2020 by 0.18 million bbl/d to 2.35 million bbl/d, up from 1.86 million bbl/d in 2019.
"The continued accommodative monetary policies, coupled with an improvement in financial markets, could provide further support to ongoing increases in non-OPEC supply," OPEC said.
OPEC and some non-OPEC allies such as Russia have been curbing production to prevent an oil glut and support oil prices above $60 per barrel. Their current deal expires in March.
"The collaboration between OPEC and non-OPEC producing countries remains essential in maintaining stability in the oil market," OPEC said.
Recommended Reading
What's Affecting Oil Prices This Week? (March 4, 2024)
2024-03-04 - For the upcoming week, Stratas Advisors expect the price of Brent will move sideways and will struggle to break through $85.
What's Affecting Oil Prices This Week? (Feb. 5, 2024)
2024-02-05 - Stratas Advisors says the U.S.’ response (so far) to the recent attack on U.S. troops has been measured without direct confrontation of Iran, which reduces the possibility of oil flows being disrupted.
What's Affecting Oil Prices This Week? (March 11, 2024)
2024-03-11 - Stratas Advisors expects oil prices to move higher in the middle of the year, but for the upcoming week, there is no impetus for prices to raise.
What's Affecting Oil Prices This Week? (Feb. 12, 2024)
2024-02-12 - With the increase last week, the price of Brent crude has reached its 200-day moving average.
What's Affecting Oil Prices This Week? (Feb. 26, 2024)
2024-02-26 - Stratas Advisors forecast that global crude production will be essentially unchanged from 2023, which means that demand growth in 2024 will outpace supply growth.