Publications
Partners
Singapore - Oil prices were mixed in Asia on Thursday with gains capped by concerns about a global supply glut and a stronger dollar, analysts said.
US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for November delivery rose seven cents to $90.80 while Brent crude for November eased six cents to $94.10 in mid-morning trade.
Sanjeev Gupta, head of the Asia-Pacific oil and gas practice at business consultancy EY, said prices were pressured by the "strengthening US dollar, which is at a four-year high against major currencies".
The US dollar held steady at ¥108.80 in Asian trading on Thursday, from ¥108.91 in New York late on Wednesday after earlier breaching the ¥110 level for the first time since 2008.
A stronger greenback makes dollar-priced oil more expensive for buyers using weaker currencies, denting demand and pushing prices lower.
Singapore's United Overseas Bank said dealers were also digesting "a clear manifestation of the over-supply environment" after Saudi Arabia on Wednesday lowered its official selling price for crude oil.
Media reports said the kingdom, a key member of the Opec oil producing cartel, reduced its November prices, marking the fourth straight month of cuts.
The move indicated that the world's top crude producer is more focused on maintaining market share, and is unlikely to cut output anytime soon to ease a global supply glut.
Saudi Arabia has 16% of the world's proved oil reserves and produces 11.6 million barrels a day, according to official US government data.
Gupta said dealers will next scrutinise US jobs figures to be released on Friday. "Sentiments for crude oil appears bearish in the short term," he said.
