Opec cuts 2022 world oil demand forecast due to Ukraine conflict

Opec cuts 2022 world oil demand forecast due to Ukraine conflict

London - Oil group March output rises 57,000bpd, lagging pledged hike

The Ukraine conflict in February sent oil prices soaring above $139 a barrel, the highest since 2008, worsening inflationary pressures. — File photo

By Reuters Published: Tue 12 Apr 2022, 8:46 PM

Opec on Tuesday cut its forecast for growth in world oil demand in 2022 citing the impact of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, rising inflation as crude prices soar and the resurgence of the Omicron coronavirus variant in China.

In a monthly report, the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) said world demand would rise by 3.67 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2022, down 480,000bpd from its previous forecast.

The Ukraine conflict in February sent oil prices soaring above $139 a barrel, the highest since 2008, worsening inflationary pressures. Crude has since fallen as the United States and other nations announced plans to tap strategic oil stocks to boost supply, but remains over $100.

“While it is forecast that both Russia and Ukraine will be facing recessions in 2022, the rest of the global economy will be thoroughly impacted as well,” Opec said in the report.

“The strong rise in commodity prices in combination with ongoing supply-chain bottlenecks and Covid-19-related logistical logjams in