Oil Steadies Above $60 as Protests Spread in OPEC Producer Iran

Futures were little changed in New York after a 3.3 percent gain last week. The death toll rose during the unrest in Iran as security forces clashed with demonstrators rallying in a rare show of displeasure with the nation’s leaders. The country pumps about 3.8 million barrels a day.

Oil in New York climbed 12 percent last year as the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies trimmed supply to reduce a global glut. U.S. crude output is also slipping from a record-high, with weekly production falling through Dec. 22 for the first time since mid-October. Any interruption to Iranian supply would be a significant shock to the market.

“Geopolitical risks are clearly back on the crude oil agenda,” said Bjarne Schieldrop, chief commodities analyst at SEB AB in Oslo. “As of yet, there is no deep-seated concern for a disruption” in Iran, but if that were to happen “it would have a huge impact on global crude oil prices.”
more at:  https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-01-02/oil-holds-near-60-after-yearly-advance-as-libyan-pipe-restarts