Back to blog

Main Driving Forces Behind Global Oil Demand in 2024

According to the prognosis by Wood Mackenzie, a global energy research company, oil demand should grow by 1.9 million barrels per day (bpd) during 2024. However, forecasts differ depending on factors such as fossil fuel reduction agreements, decisions of the biggest oil suppliers about oil outputs as well as geopolitical tensions. Middle east conflict in the last couple months have driven oil prices upwards but they somewhat stabilized amid weaker global demand and full inventories especially in the US.

Main Driving Forces Behind Global Oil Demand in 2024

Wood Mackenzie projects the Asia Pacific (APAC) region to be the primary driver of oil demand, accounting for over 63% of the total increase. China would account to 496,000 bpd whilst India to 161,000 bpd increase, which makes them significant contributors to the growth. APAC, excluding these 2 countries, is expected to account for 542,000 bpd of increased demand. In contrast, Europe's demand is forecasted to decline by 44,000 bpd due to weak economic growth. Looking ahead to 2025, Wood Mackenzie anticipates a lower oil demand growth of 1.4 million bpd, with APAC again being the major driver.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicted that India will surpass China as the largest driver of global oil demand growth until 2030. India is expected to contribute nearly 1.2 million bpd to global demand growth during this period, representing over one-third of the projected global increase of 3.2 million bpd. By 2030, India's oil demand is forecasted to reach 6.6 million bpd, up from 5.5 million bpd in 2023. Diesel fuel will be the primary driver of India's oil consumption, accounting for almost half of the nation's demand rise and over one-sixth of total global oil demand growth through 2030. Jet fuel demand is also expected to increase significantly, albeit from a lower base compared to other countries.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) has pledged to reduce oil production this year but for now it seems that the only ones standing by this decision are Russia and Saudi Arabia since according to Reuters data, OPEC increased its production by 90,000 bpd last month compared to January, which does not correspond with the group’s statement on November 30 last year to reduce production in the first quarter of 2024. The bloc’s estimates of demand growth this year are 2.25 million bpd which is far more than estimate of International Energy Agency’s, which stands at 1.22 million bpd. Recently, Reuters agency was informed by its sources that OPEC is considering further cuts.

Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported US crude oil inventories rose 4th consecutive week. Refinery maintenance and outages, including unplanned outages following a winter storm in January and planned turnarounds, have kept refining activity at its lowest levels since late 2022. The outage at the Whiting refinery in Indiana, the Midwest's largest refinery, which started at the beginning of February, contributed to the supply builds.

War between Israel and Hamas has spilled into other regions of Middle east and Iran backed Houthis group in Yemen started attacking cargo ships in the Red Sea causing major disruptions on the traffic passing through Suez Canal. This forced some big oil companies like BP to divert their tankers to alternative routes. Hope of cease fire in Israel and the coalition of countries led by the US placing patrols in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden drove oil prices down. However, conflict continues and there is a fear of further escalation, which prompted prices to rise again settling near $80 a barrel.

Snímek obrazovky 2024-03-05 v 9.44.15

source: Investing.com

Global tensions, economic growth in the world’s manufacturing powerhouses, as well as transition from fossil fuels by large economies like Europe all contribute to the dynamics of oil markets. The next few years, the main driving forces of the global oild demand will be countries like China and India according to the analysts.

Sources:

https://www.woodmac.com/press-releases/apac-markets-driving-global-oil-demand/

https://www.investing.com/news/commodities-news/opec-oil-output-rises-by-90000-bpd-in-february-survey-finds-3320414

https://www.investing.com/news/commodities-news/global-oil-demand-to-grow-by-19-million-bpd-in-2024-says-wood-mac-3320365

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/23/more-tankers-divert-from-red-sea-and-its-another-boost-for-us-oil.html

https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-crude-stockpiles-rise-gasoline-distillate-draw-down-eia-2024-02-22/

https://www.investing.com/news/economic-indicators/chinese-manufacturing-activity-grows-more-than-expected-in-feb-caixin-pmi-3320905

Read more

The resurgence of delivery services? Doordash in profit with two new acquisitions

The resurgence of delivery services? Doordash in profit with two new acquisitions

Food delivery services experienced a downturn after the pandemic, but the plans of some companies suggest a revival of the sector. One of them is the American giant DoorDash, which announced important acquisitions, strengthening its current position and providing room for expansion. The continued strong demand from customers has also been reflected in the company’s financial results, with some financial indicators reaching record levels, leading to the overcoming of previous losses.

Microsoft Surges Over 20%* Since April: Is the Correction Finally Over?

Microsoft Surges Over 20%* Since April: Is the Correction Finally Over?

The earnings season has moved to the point where tech giants began to report their changes for the past quarter. The attention of investors has undoubtedly been focused on them, and from our point of view, we can see the most fundamental shift in the case of Microsoft. In addition, solid quarterly numbers combined with the reaction of the share price point to something that many investors have been very keen on lately. What exactly do we mean?

High cocoa prices pushed Mondelez's profit down. It compensated this with higher prices

High cocoa prices pushed Mondelez's profit down. It compensated this with higher prices

Mondelez, whose sweet products are beloved by many customers, entered 2025 with mixed financial results. Its revenues were saved by another price hike, but at the expense of lower sales, which significantly reduced its profitability. Several factors contributed to this situation, with the most important being the record price of cocoa. Further developments are complicated by the White House's decisions regarding customs policy.

Is Alphabet the Winner in the Current Phase of the Correction for Investment Portfolios?

Is Alphabet the Winner in the Current Phase of the Correction for Investment Portfolios?

The earnings season is in full swing, with many key players reporting their quarterly results, with Alphabet, Google's parent company, receiving the latest attention from investors. The numbers indicate one thing. The current market environment, which is significantly influenced by the broader trend of capital market correction, creates space for investors to think. What to buy and where to redirect capital for the next period? Alpabet's results can help you solve this dilemma.