Natural Gas and Oil Analysis: Yemen Conflict and Suez Disruptions Shake Markets

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Published: Jan 17, 2024, 12:05 UTC

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Natural Gas and Oil prices witness a significant downturn, reflecting global market sensitivities.

Recent U.S. military strikes in Yemen against Houthi-controlled areas and a missile attack on a Greek-owned vessel in the Red Sea have escalated regional tensions. This escalation, alongside the U.S. plan to re-list the Houthi rebels as terrorists, has heightened concerns about stability in the region.

The situation has impacted global shipping routes, with increased war risk insurance premiums and diversions affecting the Suez Canal, a critical trade passage. These developments have potential economic implications, with fears of inflationary pressures and disruptions in raw material deliveries.

Major oil companies like Shell and Chevron are adjusting their strategies in response, with Shell suspending Red Sea shipments. The crisis could influence oil prices and trading patterns for commodities like USOIL, UKOIL, and Natural Gas.

Natural Gas Price Forecast

Natural Gas Chart

Natural Gas (NG) on January 17 is trading lower at $2.53, a decrease of 1.13%. The 4-hour chart indicates a pivot point at $2.6681. Resistance levels are at $2.8113, $2.9777, and $3.1195, while support is found at $2.4769, followed by $2.3538 and $2.2092.

The 50-Day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) is at $2.7140 and the 200-Day EMA at $2.6987, both above the current price, suggesting resistance. Earlier this week, NG broke below an upward trendline around 2.7200, and recent bearish candlestick patterns under both the 50 and 200 EMA indicate a sell signal.

The overall trend for Natural Gas is bearish below $2.6681. In the short term, if NG fails to move above this level, it may continue to face downward pressure.

WTI Oil Price Forecast

WTI Price Chart

US Oil on January 17 is witnessing a decline, currently priced at $71.04, marking a 1.06% drop. The 4-hour chart shows a pivot point at $71.58. Resistance levels are identified at $72.91, $74.21, and $75.15, while support can be found at $70.28, followed by $69.27 and $68.08.

The 50-Day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) stands at $72.31 and the 200-Day EMA at $73.48, indicating potential resistance above the current price.

A notable bearish engulfing candle pattern on the 4-hour timeframe suggests a strong bearish bias. The trend for US Oil remains bearish below the pivot point of $71.58.

Brent Oil Price Forecast

UKOIL Price Chart

On January 17, UK Oil (UKOIL) is trading lower at $76.88, a decrease of 1.22%. The 4-hour chart indicates a pivot point at $77.90. Resistance levels are set at $78.88, $80.19, and $81.44, while immediate support is found at $76.43, followed by $75.19 and $73.83.

The 50-Day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) is at $77.88 and the 200-Day EMA at $78.66, both slightly above the current price, suggesting resistance points. UKOIL’s chart shows a symmetrical triangle pattern, which might provide support around the $76.43 level. A break below this triangle could lead to further declines.

However, traders might consider waiting for a potential bounce to the $77.90 level before initiating sell positions.

About the Author

Arslan Aliauthor

Arslan, a webinar speaker and derivatives analyst, has an MBA in Finance and MPhil in Behavioral Finance. He guides financial analysis, trading, and cryptocurrency forecasting. Expert in trading psychology and sentiment.