Oil prices surge 5% as US hits Russian firms Rosneft, Lukoil with sanctions

Core Insights - Oil prices surged approximately 5% to a two-week high following U.S. sanctions on major Russian suppliers Rosneft and Lukoil due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine [1] - The sanctions are expected to reduce the global oil supply, as Russia is the second-largest crude producer after the U.S. [1] Price Movements - Brent futures increased by $2.91, or 4.7%, reaching $65.50 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose by $2.89, or 4.9%, to $61.39 [2] - This rise positions Brent for its highest close since October 8 and WTI for its highest close since October 9 [2] - U.S. diesel futures also jumped over 5%, leading to the highest diesel crack spread since February 2024, indicating increased refining profit margins [2] Market Reactions - Chinese state oil majors have halted purchases of seaborne Russian oil from the sanctioned companies, contributing to the price increase [3] - Prices moderated slightly after the Kuwaiti oil minister indicated OPEC's readiness to offset any market shortages by reversing output cuts [3] Sanctions Impact - The U.S. sanctions will compel Chinese and Indian refineries, major consumers of Russian oil, to find alternative suppliers to avoid exclusion from the Western banking system [4] - The U.S. has signaled readiness for further actions and called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine [4] Additional Sanctions - The UK has already sanctioned Rosneft and Lukoil, while the EU has approved a 19th sanctions package against Russia, including a ban on Russian LNG imports [5] - The EU's sanctions list now includes two Chinese refiners with a combined capacity of 600,000 barrels per day and Chinaoil Hong Kong, a trading arm of PetroChina [5] Future Supply Dynamics - The effect of sanctions on oil markets will largely depend on India's response and whether Russia can find alternative buyers [6] - India has emerged as the largest buyer of discounted Russian crude since the onset of the conflict, but Indian refiners are expected to significantly reduce imports of Russian oil due to the new sanctions [6] Company Actions - Reliance Industries, the largest Indian buyer of Russian crude, is reportedly planning to reduce or completely halt imports of Russian oil [7] - There is skepticism in the market regarding whether U.S. sanctions will lead to a fundamental shift in supply and demand dynamics [7]