Firmer oil prices expected as demand builds and supply curbs persist, poll suggests

News Snapshot:

Oil prices will gain some momentum this year as demand picks up and output curbs by the OPEC+ producer group continue to squeeze supply that is already being pressured by military conflicts, a Reuters poll showed on Thursday. A survey of 46 economists and analysts forecast that Brent crude would average $82.33 a barrel in 2024, up from the $81.13 consensus projection in February. U.S. crude expectations were raised to $78.09, up from the $76.54 forecast last month. This was the first upward revision in 2024 consensus forecasts since the October poll. “We see the oil price rally going further...