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China Faces COVID Troubles as the EU Nears Embargo on Russian Oil
Published: May 3, 2022, 16:13 UTC
China is the world's second-largest consumer and the world’s top importer of crude oil. In the face of adversity, is its economy likely to slow down?
Crude oil prices ended slightly higher yesterday after a volatile session, caught between weakening demand in China and the prospect, closer than ever, of a European embargo on Russian oil imports.
Zero COVID Policy in China
In the economic capital of Shanghai, where more than 25 million inhabitants have been locked up for a month, anyone who tests positive for coronavirus is sent to a quarantine center, even if they are asymptomatic. Apparently, China is sticking to this “zero-covid” policy that, ironically, has even become a new standard of freedom as similar restrictive models that run counter to individual freedoms were followed by some countries, including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand not so long ago.
Russian Oil Embargo
On the other hand, several countries, including Hungary, Denmark, France, the United States, and Britain, have recently announced they are moving their embassies back to Kyiv as the security situation in the Ukrainian capital improves.
As Hungary will not support sanctions on Russian oil and gas shipments, Slovakia says it will seek exemption from any EU embargo on Russian oil. Therefore, the EU executive committee could spare both Slovakia and Hungary an embargo on buying Russian oil, taking into account the dependence of both countries on Russian crude.
Speaking of Russian imports, it can also be noted that in 2021, Russia supplied Europeans with 30% of crude oil and 15% of petroleum products.
OPEC Meeting on Thursday
Meanwhile, the thirteen members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), led by Riyadh, and their ten partners, led by Moscow (OPEC+), are going to meet on Thursday (May 5) by videoconference to make any adjustments to their production.
The market does not expect much from this meeting, as the current target of 400k barrels per day should be sustained. It’s despite the cartel’s struggling to pump such volumes, notably given the current political crisis in Libya – the producing country endowed with the most abundant reserves in Africa – which has seen its oil infrastructure blocked, where oil operations have been stopped since mid-April.
US Dollar
Regarding the US dollar, the safe-heaven currency – still the king of international trade – remains strong, with a dixie hovering around its highs in a range marked between 102.750 and 103.930.
Figure 4 – Henry Hub Natural Gas (NGM22) Futures (June 2022 contract, daily chart)
That’s all, folks, for today. Happy trading!
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Sebastien Bischeri
Oil & Gas Trading Strategist
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The information above represents analyses and opinions of Sebastien Bischeri, & Sunshine Profits’ associates only. As such, it may prove wrong and be subject to change without notice. At the time of writing, we base our opinions and analyses on facts and data sourced from respective essays and their authors. Although formed on top of careful research and reputably accurate sources, Sebastien Bischeri and his associates cannot guarantee the reported data’s accuracy and thoroughness. The opinions published above neither recommend nor offer any securities transaction. Mr. Bischeri is not a Registered Securities Advisor. By reading Sebastien Bischeri’s reports you fully agree that he will not be held responsible or liable for any decisions you make regarding any information provided in these reports. Investing, trading and speculation in any financial markets may involve high risk of loss. Sebastien Bischeri, Sunshine Profits’ employees, affiliates as well as their family members may have a short or long position in any securities, including those mentioned in any of the reports or essays, and may make additional purchases and/or sales of those securities without notice.
About the Author
Sébastien Bischericontributor
Sebastien Bischeri is a former Reserve Officer in the French Armed Forces (Navy), and began his career in computer science and engineering, prior to move into banking, finance, and trading. He has worked as a contractor with top banks, firms, government departments, MNCs, SMEs and start-ups over the past decade, where he’s gained extensive knowledge of commodities, economic intelligence, energy, financial markets, investments, risks, and strategy (both as a Trader and Analyst).
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