<p>OPEC on Thursday stuck to its prediction of a strong recovery in world oil demand in 2021 and further growth next year, despite concerns about the spread of the Delta coronavirus variant that has weighed on prices.</p>.<p>The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries said in a monthly report it expects demand to rise by 5.95 million barrels per day (bpd) this year, or 6.6%, unchanged from last month's forecast.</p>.<p>"The global economy continues to recover," OPEC said in the report. "However, numerous challenges remain that could easily dampen this momentum. In particular, Covid-19-related developments will need close monitoring."</p>.<p>OPEC's confidence that demand will shrug off the latest setback caused by the pandemic contrasts with that of the International Energy Agency, which trimmed its outlook on Thursday.</p>.<p>In 2022, fuel use will expand by 3.28 million bpd, OPEC said, a forecast also unchanged from last month.</p>.<p><strong>Check out DH's latest videos:</strong></p>
<p>OPEC on Thursday stuck to its prediction of a strong recovery in world oil demand in 2021 and further growth next year, despite concerns about the spread of the Delta coronavirus variant that has weighed on prices.</p>.<p>The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries said in a monthly report it expects demand to rise by 5.95 million barrels per day (bpd) this year, or 6.6%, unchanged from last month's forecast.</p>.<p>"The global economy continues to recover," OPEC said in the report. "However, numerous challenges remain that could easily dampen this momentum. In particular, Covid-19-related developments will need close monitoring."</p>.<p>OPEC's confidence that demand will shrug off the latest setback caused by the pandemic contrasts with that of the International Energy Agency, which trimmed its outlook on Thursday.</p>.<p>In 2022, fuel use will expand by 3.28 million bpd, OPEC said, a forecast also unchanged from last month.</p>.<p><strong>Check out DH's latest videos:</strong></p>