Oil edges down as investors weigh possible US sanctions on ‘shadow fleet’

Oil prices experienced a slight decline on Friday morning as investors evaluated potential risks in the Middle East and the possibility of US sanctions easing on the world's "shadow fleet" of tankers. Brent crude futures dipped 41 cents, or 0.39%, to $105.51 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures CLc1 saw a decrease of 54 cents, or 0.55%, to $97.43.

WTI prices had risen more than 3% on Thursday following a significant US crude stock draw, which helped support prices. In contrast, Brent crude showed minimal change.

The International Energy Agency had agreed earlier in the day to release over 20 million barrels of diesel into the market, as well as any remaining emergency reserves pledged in March to boost supply and alleviate the surge in prices. However, during the preceding trading session, oil prices had initially risen the previous night, suggesting that investors were displeased with these measures, according to Haitong Futures.

The prospects for cooling the oil market seemed to hinge on a reduction in tensions in the Middle East. The US administration was contemplating lifting sanctions on certain "shadow fleet" vessels that had transported oil and petroleum products from nations like Russia, Iran, and Venezuela, aiming to address the issue of record-high global freight rates, as reported by a US official on Wednesday.

This proposal emerged days after President Donald Trump temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian diesel fuel, a decision that generated extensive criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, European nations, and some of Trump's Republican colleagues in the US Senate.

Compounding the situation, ongoing conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthis, coupled with renewed attacks on ships in the region, contributed to the upward movement of prices. The clashes around the waterway had intensified over the past 10 days, with Iran indicating it was intensifying its strikes in response to the US blockade of its ports and the recently implemented tougher sanctions.

On Thursday, the Houthis targeted the presidential palace complex in the southern city of Aden, resulting in the deaths of two guards. Simultaneously, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen reported numerous attacks on Saudi infrastructure as part of the escalating conflict.