Crude oil faces headwinds from demand uncertainty – London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Oil futures fell on Wednesday as traders reevaluated the impact of China’s recent stimulus measures on economic growth and fuel demand in the world’s largest crude importer.

Prices surged after China announced significant economic stimulus, including interest rate cuts and government funding. However, concerns lingered that more fiscal support would be needed to boost confidence in the Chinese economy. This uncertainty raised doubts about sustained demand growth, weighing on crude prices.

Despite these issues, the market found some support from a drop in U.S. crude and fuel stockpiles. Other factors, such as the escalating conflict in the Middle East and fears of increased regional instability from current tensions, could support crude prices.

Meanwhile, the hurricane that initially threatened Gulf Coast oil and gas production might shift away from key areas, providing some relief and reducing doubts about supply levels. While decreased stockpiles could raise prices, ongoing concerns about demand and economic recovery have kept crude prices under pressure.