Analysis-Global oil markets weaken as sluggish demand leaves overhang
Global physical crude oil markets are weakening because of soft refinery demand and ample supply, traders and analysts told Reuters, in a move that could spell further weakness for benchmark crude futures. The weakness indicates high interest rates and inflation are depressing consumer and industrial demand, especially in Europe, at a time when supply is rising from non-OPEC producers such as the United States. Demand from refiners is soft, even though their crude intake capacity has increased with the end of springtime maintenance.