Morgan Stanley(US:MS) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-07-17 05:22Core Viewpoint - International oil prices are experiencing a slight decline due to weak demand, policy impacts, and supply expansion, with a notable decrease in gasoline demand during the summer driving peak season [1][2][3] Group 1: Demand Weakness - The summer driving peak season has seen an unexpected decline in gasoline demand, with daily supply dropping by 670,000 barrels to 8.5 million barrels [2][3] - The increase in distillate oil inventory and rising stocks at the key storage hub in Cushing, Oklahoma, indicate a fundamental weakness in end-user consumption [1][3] - The trade tensions stemming from President Trump's tariff policies have significantly weakened global energy consumption expectations, leading to a chain reaction of deteriorating demand [3][4] Group 2: Policy Impact - The ongoing tariff war has triggered a complex crisis, impacting both demand prospects and increasing market uncertainty through supply chain disruptions [4] - Trump's denial of plans to dismiss Federal Reserve Chairman Powell provided a temporary boost to market sentiment, but the Fed's interest rate decisions continue to exert long-term pressure on oil prices [4] - The geopolitical context, including the easing of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, has further diminished risk premiums, stripping away price support [4] Group 3: Supply Expansion - Morgan Stanley warns of a potential return to supply surplus after the summer demand peak, indicating that OPEC's production strategies and U.S. capacity expansions are contributing to this trend [2][4] - The expected increase in OECD inventories could reach levels not seen since 2017, which corresponds to Brent crude prices around $65 per barrel, reflecting a dilution of oil's scarcity value [2][4] - The long-term forecast suggests Brent crude prices may stabilize at $60 per barrel by 2026, indicating a trend of devaluation in oil's soft power [4]