NEW YORK (REUTERS) - Oil prices jumped on Wednesday (May 4), as the European Union, the world's largest trading bloc, spelled out plans to phase out imports of Russian oil, raising concerns about further market tightness as those nations hunt for adequate supply.
Crude benchmarks have risen steadily over the past two months following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Until now, the EU has been reluctant to fully cut off imports of Russian oil and gas, and its plans still do not suggest a full ban for all EU members.
Europe imports some 3.5 million barrels of Russian oil and oil products daily, and also depends on Moscow's gas supplies.
"Inventories are so tight, so against this backdrop, when you are talking about this ban, there are a lot of questions on how (Europe) is going to make up for this," said Mr Phil Flynn, senior analyst at Price Futures Group.
Brent crude futures settled up US$5.17, or 4.9 per cent, to US$110.14 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate crude futures settled at US$107.81 a barrel, up US$5.40 or 5.3 per cent.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday proposed a phased oil embargo on Russia, as well as sanctioning Russia's top bank.
The commission's measures include phasing out supplies of Russian crude within six months and refined products by the end of 2022, Ms von der Leyen said. She also pledged to minimise the impact of the move on European economies.
Hungary and Slovakia, however, will be able to continue buying Russian crude oil until the end of 2023 under existing contracts, an EU source told Reuters.
Russia could offset the loss of one of its primary customers by selling oil to other importers, including India and China. Neither country has stopped buying from Moscow.
Needs for much greater supplies are not likely to be met at a meeting on Thursday of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies. Opec+ is expected to stick to its plan for a gradual ramp-up of monthly production.
In the United States, crude stocks rose modestly last week, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Stocks were up 1.2 million barrels as the US released more barrels from its strategic reserves.
Fuel stocks fell, in part due to stronger exports of products since Russia's invasion as buyers have sought other sources.
The markets largely shook off the Federal Reserve's announcement that it would raise interest rates by a half percentage point to try to bring down rising inflation.
"The market was up so strong before the announcement I think (the Fed) was a foregone conclusion," said Mr Gary Cunningham, director of market research at Tradition Energy.
