Oil at 10-month Low after Biggest First Half Slide in 20 Years
Oil prices ended down more than 2 percent on Wednesday after hitting a 10-month low in volatile trade, as growing U.S. production and reduced Chinese refinery activity fed mounting concern over the stubborn global crude glut. U.S. crude futures settled at $42.53, down 98 cents or 2.3 percent, after touching a low of $42.13, the lowest intraday level since August 2016. Since peaking in late February, crude has dropped more than 20 percent, with only brief rallies. More than 1 million front-month crude contracts changed hands on Wednesday, far exceeding the daily average of 560,000 contracts.
Maersk Hikes Latin America Freight Rate 30%
According to 'Newsroom Panama' the increase, announced May 17, is ascribed to high fuel costs, the price of steel, ports, and containers. In the last five years oil prices have increased by 250%, while Maersk Line rates have dropped over 10% in Latin America compared to its competition, said Robbert Jan van Trooijen, manager of Maersk Line for Latin America. Although Maersk is one of the main users of the [Panama] Canal, ports and railways, the impact of rising rates will affect Panamanian exporters who send their products abroad by container.
Oil Prices Hit Highest Point In Nearly Two Years
Oil prices rallied to a 22-month peak of $21 a barrel on Friday, buoyed by Nigerian supply disruption, declines in U.S. oil stockpiles and OPEC output restraint. London September futures for Britain's Brent crude touched the psychological $21 level, its highest since October 9, 1997, before dropping back to $20.88 for a 39 cent gain.
