Oil prices declined during trading on Thursday, but they remain close to the high levels recorded earlier in the week. The prices received support from investor optimism regarding a recovery in crude oil demand, fueled by the start of the summer driving season for transportation in the United States. Gasoline demand in the U.S. has risen to 9.5 million barrels per day, and demand for distillates has also increased.
Oil markets are monitoring Iran's negotiations regarding the nuclear deal, as lifting sanctions on Tehran would facilitate the return of Iranian oil to the markets. Additionally, markets are keeping an eye on the upcoming meeting of the "OPEC+" countries at the beginning of next month, where the participating nations in the production cut agreement will discuss the state of the global oil market.
As of 10:32 Moscow time, U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell by 0.42% to $65.93 per barrel, while Brent crude futures declined by 0.44% to $68.46 per barrel, according to data from Bloomberg.
