Crude oil eases to Rs 9,127/barrel in futures trade despite global market upheaval

On the Multi Commodity Exchange, crude oil for May delivery slipped Rs 48, or 0.52%, to Rs 9,127 per barrel in 12,549 lots.

New Delhi: Crude oil prices traded marginally lower at Rs 9,127 per barrel in futures trade on Friday, even as global benchmarks moved higher amid escalating tensions in West Asia.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange, crude oil for May delivery slipped Rs 48, or 0.52 per cent, to Rs 9,127 per barrel in 12,549 lots.

Analysts said domestic oil prices edged lower due to profit-booking, while global markets remained firm on supply concerns.

In international markets, Brent Crude futures for the June contract rose $2.18, or 2.07 per cent, to $107.25 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate for the same month delivery gained $1.90, or 2 per cent, to $97.75 per barrel in New York.

"Crude oil futures moved higher as Middle East tensions intensified, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining closed and ceasefire talks showing no clear progress," Kaveri More, Commodity Analyst - Technical Research at Choice Broking, said.

She added that fresh military activity around Tehran and continued US naval action in the region have kept supply concerns elevated, while President Donald Trump's order to target vessels laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz has added to fears of prolonged disruption.

"With Iran showing no immediate willingness to negotiate under continued naval restrictions, the standoff continues to tighten global supply, while stronger demand for US exports and falling domestic fuel inventories are providing additional support to prices," More said.