Crude oil prices have dropped from their previous highs, indicating a crucial week for crude oil projections, following better-than-expected activity statistics from China over the weekend.

Significantly, market players are anticipating big changes as OPEC+ meets later this week to discuss oil output objectives and important US economic data. 

Prices are under pressure due to rising non-OPEC supply and demand concerns, making it unlikely that another postponement of production increases will provide long-term support unless OPEC+ makes a significant statement.

Issues with Oil Demand

OPEC+, controlling over half of the world's oil production, faces challenges in overcoming production curbs by 2025 due to higher supply from non-OPEC suppliers and stagnant global demand.

Despite efforts to stabilise the market, oil prices have dropped 20–25% since April and are already negative for the year. Demand growth has not returned notwithstanding better Chinese manufacturing figures, suggesting that supply will drive price hikes.

OPEC+ Summit is Critical to the Market Trajectory

Oil prices are influenced by supply-side factors, with the upcoming OPEC+ meeting on December 5 being more significant than data releases. High interest rates, a strong US dollar, and weak global economic growth are affecting the oil market.

Moreover, US output at record levels in 2024 raises market oversupply risk unless global growth improves or OPEC+ cuts production. Speculation about Trump's second term fuels expectations for higher oil production.

Besides, OPEC faces challenges in crude oil forecasting, deciding whether to achieve higher prices while losing market share to US shale producers or allowing prices to fall to support demand.

OPEC+ is considering postponing the January production hike, tied to UAE's 2025 increase, to support prices and prevent oil's downward trajectory, with the decision expected to be finalized at the December 5 meeting.

Saudi's Oil price Plan might Damage Black Gold

Market tensions are heightened by Saudi Arabia's potential price cut for its Asian crude in January, potentially reducing the Arab Light grade by 70-90 cents per barrel, marking multi-year lows. The OPEC+ meeting's results could also influence Saudi Arabia's official selling prices for early 2025.

The Israel-Lebanon Truce

Oil prices dropped following a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, impacting gold prices. The ceasefire reduced the geopolitical risk premium that supported oil prices since Israel's conflict.

However, Israel's resumption of attacks on Lebanon despite the ceasefire deal indicates a tense Middle East situation that could deteriorate.

Technical Crude Oil Prediction: Monitoring WTI Levels

US oil prices fell below the $69-$70 resistance zone last week, indicating temporary bearish rebounds. Technical traders may favour bearish setups near resistance over bullish ones at support, increasing downside pressure.

The critical support range for West Texas Intermediate WTI Crude starts at $68.00, which has consistently found support

Ultimately, if prices break below this range, the focus will be on the November and September lows at $66.54 and $64.94, respectively, and a potential fall to $65.00 could lead to the May 2023 low at $63.60.

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